UK Driving Test Fees Explained: Weekday, Weekend and Retake

#The official DVSA fees

• Theory test: £23
• Practical car test, weekday: £62
• Practical car test, evening, weekend or bank holiday: £75
• Hazard perception (part of theory): included in the £23
• Extended test (after disqualification): £124 weekday, £150 weekend

#What counts as a weekday vs weekend

A "weekday" slot is any test starting between Monday and Friday before 4:30pm. After 4:30pm and on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, the £75 fee applies. The fee is fixed by start time, not duration, so even a 4:35pm test costs the higher rate.

#How fees are paid

You pay at the moment of booking on gov.uk via debit or credit card. There is a small surcharge for credit card use (around 3%). DVSA does not accept cash, cheque, bank transfer, or instalments.

#Refunds and cancellations

You can cancel for a full refund up to three clear working days before the test. Cancel later than that and the fee is forfeit. If DVSA cancels (snow, examiner illness, fire alarm), you receive a full refund automatically and can rebook for free.

#Retake fees

There is no retake discount. Each attempt costs the standard £62 or £75. A learner who passes on the third attempt has paid £186 to £225 in test fees alone, before lesson and theory costs.

#Hidden costs to factor in

• Lesson fees: £30 to £50 per hour, with 45+ hours typical
• Theory test prep apps: free to £20
• Hire of an instructor’s car for the practical (around £50 to £80)
• Private practice fuel and insurance

#Common scams to avoid

#Total cost of getting your licence

Total realistic spend in 2026, from provisional to pass: £1,300 to £2,000 for the average learner who passes on the second attempt. The test fee itself is a small part. The largest cost is lessons, followed by private practice insurance and fuel.