The car theory test costs £23 when you book through GOV.UK in England, Scotland or Wales. The price is the same on weekdays, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. It covers the multiple-choice and hazard-perception parts of the car theory test.
The theory fee is separate from practical-test bookings, lessons and paid revision products. Here is what to budget for and how to reach the official booking service.
What does the £23 theory-test fee cover?
A car theory-test booking covers the multiple-choice questions and hazard-perception test in one appointment. It does not include a practical test, driving lessons or commercial revision subscriptions.
The multiple-choice part has 50 questions and a 57-minute time limit. Revise understanding of road rules as well as the way hazard perception works; learning a price or booking a slot does not establish readiness.
Fees checked on 12 October 2026 against GOV.UK driving test costs. These car-test fees apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland uses a separate booking service.
How to book a car theory test at the official price
Start with GOV.UK’s theory-test booking page. You need your UK driving licence number, an email address and a credit or debit card. Tell the booking service if you need support for a reading difficulty, disability or health condition.
Check that you are using the official service before entering personal or payment details. A third-party website may charge more than the £23 test fee. A revision app is a separate product, not your test booking.
Is the theory-test price different for automatic learners?
The published car theory-test fee is £23. There is no separate automatic-car theory booking price in the official fee table. Motorcycle theory tests are also £23; lorry and bus theory tests have different fees, so use the correct vehicle category.
What happens to your budget if you need another attempt?
Budget for a new booking if you need to take the test again, rather than assuming the first fee includes unlimited attempts. At the published car-test price, two separate bookings total £46.
If you need to change or cancel an appointment, read the current rules in your booking confirmation and on GOV.UK before acting. Refund eligibility depends on the applicable notice period and circumstances.
Theory and practical fees together
- £23 theory fee + £62 weekday practical fee = £85.
- £23 theory fee + £75 evening, weekend or bank-holiday practical fee = £98.
Those totals exclude lessons, a provisional licence, insurance and a vehicle for the practical test. Our driving-test cost guide shows a worked lesson budget.
Prepare now, then plan for your practical test
Use official theory revision and practice guidance for road rules and hazard perception. Check your booking confirmation for what to bring and where to attend.
When planning the practical stage, compare local practical test centres and use the free Learner Hub to organise what to practise next. Practical and theory tests use separate booking services and may take place at different locations.
Key Takeaways
- The official car theory-test fee is £23.
- The fee covers the multiple-choice and hazard-perception test in one appointment.
- Book through GOV.UK to reach the official service.
- Lessons, revision products and practical-test fees are separate.
- Theory plus practical booking fees total £85 or £98, before other learning costs.
Learner Hub
Build this into your test plan
Use the Learner Hub to connect this advice with your test centre, local roads, weak area, and readiness checks. This starts with observations selected as the focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a theory test in the UK?+
The car theory test costs £23 through GOV.UK in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate booking service.
Does the £23 fee include hazard perception?+
Yes. The car theory booking includes the multiple-choice and hazard-perception parts in one appointment.
Is a weekend theory test more expensive?+
No. The official fee table lists £23 for both weekday and evening, weekend or bank-holiday car theory tests.
Are theory-test revision apps included in the fee?+
No. Paid revision apps and subscriptions are separate products. The £23 is the official car theory-test booking fee.
How much are theory and practical tests together?+
The booking fees total £85 with a weekday practical test (£23 + £62), or £98 with a £75 practical test. Other learning and vehicle costs are separate.
