New theory test booking service to go live from 8 July - DVSA

We wrote to you earlier this year to let you know we are making changes to the theory test service by bringing more parts of it in-house. This includes the theory test booking service.

Launching the new booking service

The new theory test booking service, for England, Scotland and Wales, will be launched on Thursday 8 July 2021 when bookings will be taken online and via the DVSA customer service centre. This service is moving from Pearson VUE to DVSA.

The new online booking system will accept test bookings to be taken from 4 September when the new theory test service begins. Any test bookings for dates before 4 September must be made on the current system.

All theory tests including ADI part 1 and enhanced rider scheme training theory tests are still booked from the current GOV.UK pages. For tests to be taken from 4 September, other than slightly different looking screens you and your pupils will not notice a difference.

We have worked with theory test candidates and the Government Digital Service to improve the booking service by making it easier to use.

Temporary change in the booking window for theory tests

Currently theory tests can be booked 4 months in advance. From 4 May the amount of time that tests can be booked in advance will be reduced by one day. By the time the new booking system opens on 8 July, tests will only be available 2 months in advance.

DVSA has taken action to reduce the theory test backlog by extending opening hours in England and Wales and opening additional temporary theory test centres in England. This has created additional test capacity, so the number of tests available to book should not be affected, just how far in advance you can book them.

Theory test centre locations

The contract for running theory test centres from 4 September has been split into 3 regions. Some existing test centres will change location and we are working with the new suppliers to confirm where the new theory test centres will be. We will share the addresses with you as soon as we can.