How Much Does the Theory Test Cost in 2026?

The car and motorcycle theory test costs £23 when you book it on the official GOV.UK service. Lorry and bus drivers pay £26 for the multiple-choice test and £11 for hazard perception, and the ADI part 1 test costs £81 (GOV.UK: driving test costs).

• £23car or motorcycle
• £26 + £11lorry or bus
• £81ADI part 1
• £0MockTheory practice

Theory test fees for every category

Sources: GOV.UK: book your theory test and GOV.UK: ADI part 1 test. GOV.UK lists the same car and motorcycle price for weekday and evening or weekend slots.

What does the £23 include?

One fee covers both parts of the car or motorcycle theory test: the 50 multiple-choice questions and the 14-clip hazard perception test. You book and take them together. Lorry and bus drivers are different: parts 1a and 1b are booked and paid for separately.

When you have to pay again

The fee isn't refundable in most situations, so it's worth knowing when you could lose it.

• If you fail, you pay the full fee again to rebook. There's no discount for a resit, and you must retake both parts even if you passed one.
• If you change or cancel your test at short notice, you'll have to pay again. You must give at least 3 full working days' notice. Monday to Saturday count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays don't (GOV.UK: change your theory test).
• If you turn up without the right documents, your test will be cancelled and you won't get your money back (GOV.UK: what to take).
• If you arrive late, your test will be cancelled and you'll lose your money.

How resits add up

Each attempt is a new booking, so the cost of failing grows quickly. One pass first time costs £23. Fail once and pass on the second go, and you've paid £46. Two fails before a pass means £69, plus extra travel and time off work or school. Spending a few more evenings on mock tests is far cheaper.

Can you get a refund?

If you cancel within 3 full working days of your test, you normally lose the fee. But GOV.UK says you can get a refund for short-notice changes if you have (GOV.UK: cancel your theory test):

• an illness or injury that means you can't take your test
• suffered a bereavement
• to take an exam at a school or college
• had your driving licence stolen

You'll need to email DVSA with proof, such as a fit note, a letter from your school or college, or a crime number.

Beware of unofficial booking sites

The only place to book a theory test in England, Scotland and Wales is the GOV.UK service at gov.uk/book-theory-test. If a website asks for more than £23 for a car theory test, you're not on the official service. MockTheory does not book tests. Read our step-by-step guide on how to book your theory test.

Booking in Northern Ireland works differently. See our Northern Ireland theory test guide or nidirect.

Other costs to budget for

• A provisional licence: you need one before you can book. Apply on GOV.UK.
• Revision material: The Highway Code and Know your traffic signs are free to read on GOV.UK. The official DVSA book Driving – the essential skills and the official apps cost extra.
• Travel to and from the test centre.

Free ways to prepare

You don't need to spend anything to practise. Everything on MockTheory is free, with no sign-up:

• Car theory test practice by topic, with explanations
• Motorcycle theory test practice
• Hazard perception test with 14 clips
• Road signs test and Highway Code test
• HGV and bus theory test practice

DVSA also offers free practice tests and 3 free hazard perception clips via GOV.UK: take a practice theory test.