Check you're ready
You should be able to drive safely in different traffic and road conditions without your instructor prompting you. We'll discuss your strengths, areas to improve and whether a test date is realistic.
Drive With Joe · Stowmarket, Suffolk
Booking your driving test
A practical guide to booking your car test, choosing a realistic date and understanding the current rules before you commit.
Important current rule: since 12 May 2026, you must book, change, swap or cancel your own car driving test. Your instructor cannot do these actions for you. This guide reflects the DVSA rules available in October 2026; always check GOV.UK for the latest information.
Before booking
Speak to your instructor first
Talk with Joe about your progress and whether you're consistently driving safely and independently. Agree a realistic target date and check that he is available to take you to the test.
Get the details ready
You'll need your UK driving licence number, a credit or debit card, and your instructor's personal reference number if you want the booking system to check his availability. You must usually have passed your theory test before booking.
Choose carefully
Book at the test centre you intend to use and choose a date you realistically expect to be ready for. You can only make two changes to your car test booking, so avoid booking a date just to secure a slot.
How to book
1. Use the official service
Start from GOV.UK. Avoid unofficial websites or apps that claim to find or automatically scan for cancellations; DVSA rules prohibit these services.
2. Enter your details
Follow the instructions, enter your licence details and payment information, and add Joe's instructor reference number if you want the system to check his availability. You must confirm that you are the learner taking the test.
3. Keep your confirmation
Save the confirmation email and reference number. Check the date, time and test centre carefully, and share your planned date with Joe so you can prepare together.
Changing or cancelling your test
You can make up to two changes to your car test booking. Changing the date or time, changing the test centre, or swapping with another learner who already has a test booked each counts as a change. Only you can make the change.
If you need to move your test, you can only move it to one of the three nearest test centres to your booked centre, or back to the centre you originally booked. If you need more changes after using both, you must cancel and book again. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 10 full working days before your test. Check the official rules before acting.
Avoid unofficial cancellation finders. The DVSA says you must not use third-party websites or apps that scan the booking service for appointments. Check GOV.UK directly for official availability and current instructions.
Questions? Ask before you book
If you're unsure whether you're ready, or want to check whether Joe can attend your proposed date, discuss it with him before you make a booking. You are responsible for booking and managing your own test, but you don't have to make the decision without guidance.