Practical Test
Driving Test in Loughborough
The Practical Driving Test
Advice on booking and going for a Practical Driving Test
Make sure you are ready for your test. You can do this by getting advice from an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). The current Practical Test Fees are:
£62.00 Weekdays
£75.00 Weekday Evenings & Weekends
Appointment availability: Currently 5 Weeks
New test times for the Loughborough Test Centre:
- 8.10am
- 9.07am
- 10.14am
- 11.11am
- 12.38pm
- 13.35pm
- 14.32pm
- 15.29pm
Booking online
You can book or change a test on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring
Booking by phone
You can book a test using a credit or debit card (as long as you are the cardholder) by phoning 0300 200 1122 You can also use this number for re-booking and other enquiries.
When phoning to make a booking, make sure you have you credit or debit card, theory test certificate number and driving licence number ready.
Booking by fax
You can book a test using a credit or debit card by fax on 0300 200 1155.
Booking by post
Fill in a DL26 application form and send it, with the appropriate fee, to:
The Driving Standards Agency
PO Box 280
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE99 1FP
***Some important advice when booking a test***
If the date of your test is within three clear working days of your request, this is a "short-notice " booking. If you accept a "short-notice" date, you cannot change it without losing your fee. Please make sure you can go for your test on that day and make sure your instructor is available before you accept the booking.
Theory test
You can book a practical test only if you have passed the relevant theory test or are "exempt" (that is, you don't have to take a theory test).
For more information about whether you need to take a theory test, please phone 0300 200 1155
Special needs
To make sure there is enough time for your test, they will need to know if you have any hearing difficulties, and special circumstances, any movement restrictions or any disability. If you have a hearing difficulty or cannot speak English, you may bring an interpreter who is not an ADI and who is at least 16 years old. Tell them when you book your test if you are going to bring an interpreter.
Weekday evenings tests (Summer only) or weekend tests
You have to pay more for these tests and they are not carried out at all test centres. There is a list of the centres that offer this service in test centre waiting rooms, or you can get the information by phoning 0300 200 1122.
Extended tests
You should ask for an extended test only if a court has ordered you to take this test after being disqualified from driving.
Where you must live
You cannot take a test or get a full licence unless you are normally resident (live) in this country. This means you must work here (and pay tax) or have close family here. However, if you have moved to the UK from another European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, you should not take a driving test or get a first full licence unless you have lived here for 185 days in the last 12 months and are still living here at the time you apply for your licence. The test centre may ask you to provide evidence of this.
Minimum wait between tests
If you fail your test, you must wait for at least 10 clear working days between appointments for the same category of test. Working days are every day except Sundays and bank holidays.
Appointment changes
You can change your test appointment on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring or by phoning 0300 200 112.
They will contact you by phone or by letter if they need to change your appointment for any reason.
If you change your name or address, please tell them immediately on-line or by phoning 0300 200 112. You should also tell the DVLA separately about your driving licence.
They will always try to make sure that your test appointment goes ahead, If they cancel your test at short notice, they will provide a copy of their "Refunding out-of-pocket expenses" form either at the test centre or by post. They will not pay compensation when a test is cancelled due to bad weather, but they will automatically arrange another appointment. You can find details of their service standards and complaints procedures in their "Customer Services": A guide to our service standards' leaflet, which is available from all of their offices and test centres.
If after two weeks you have not received written confirmation of your appointment, please phone us immediately. If you miss your appointment you may lose your fee.
Taking your driving test - the vehicle
You must provide an appropriately licensed vehicle, displaying "L" plates and suitable for the purposes of the test. The vehicle should be fully covered by insurance for the purposes of the practical test. A hired car is unlikely to be insured for the driving test.
Seat belts and head restraints must be fitted to the front passenger seat and there must be an adjustable mirror inside for the examiner to use. The front passenger seat must provide all-round vision for the examiner.
Documents
Please bring your theory test pass certificate or confirmation (unless you are exempt) and your valid signed Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence. They will not accept any other driving licence or licence pass certificate. If you have a new-style photo-card licence, you must bring both parts of the licence (photo-card and the paper counterpart) to the test. If your licence is not available, please phone 0300 200 1122 for more information.
If your driving licence does not have your photograph on it, you will also need to bring a valid passport. This is the only kind of identification they will accept.
