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United Kingdom · Theory test

Driving instructor test booking, part by part

You book each driving instructor test on GOV.UK, one at a time and in order. Part 1, the theory test, goes through the theory test booking service once the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has accepted your application to become an approved driving instructor (ADI). Parts 2 and 3 use the same driving test booking service as learner drivers, and each opens up when you pass the test before it. You book and pay online for all three, or by phone for Part 1 if you have no email address.

  • 6Changes allowed to a Part 2 or 3 booking
  • 24 weeksHow far ahead new test dates are added
  • 3 working daysNotice to change a test without paying again
Book your Part 1 theory test

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How do you book a driving instructor theory test?

  1. Apply to DVSA to start the ADI qualifying process and wait for it to be accepted.
  2. Have ready your UK driving licence number, your personal reference number from DVSA, an email address and a debit or credit card. Without an email address, you book by phone.
  3. Book online through GOV.UK’s Book your instructor theory test service.
  4. Say if you need support, such as an English voiceover, extra time or a medical monitoring device, so DVSA can approve it before the day.
  5. Pay the £81 fee.

DVSA’s theory test line is 0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Booking in Northern Ireland is a separate service.

GOV.UK: Find a theory test centre ↗

Booking ADI Part 2 and Part 3

Both are booked on GOV.UK’s Book your driving test service, which takes ADI Part 2 and 3 tests as well as learner tests. You can book Part 2 once you’ve passed Part 1, and you need the pass certificate letter from Part 1 to book and take it. Part 3 opens up once you pass Part 2.

New dates are added 24 weeks ahead and released at 6am every Monday. Earlier slots appear whenever someone changes or cancels, and there’s no waiting list. You’re put in a queue when you start booking.

GOV.UK says DVSA’s 2026 booking rules, such as the limit of 2 changes, apply only to car driving tests. For ADI Part 2 and Part 3 you can change the booking up to 6 times.

GOV.UK: Book your driving test ↗What happens on ADI Part 2 →What happens on ADI Part 3 →

Driving instructor test fees

ItemFee
ADI Part 1 test£81
ADI Part 2 test£111
ADI Part 3 test£111
Trainee driving instructor licence£140
First ADI certificate (badge)£300
Renewal every 4 years£300

DVSA sets these fees. You pay the full fee again for each test you retake. Training fees are set by each training organisation, and the criminal record check you need before you apply costs £5.40 through Complete Background Screening (CBS). Northern Ireland has its own fees.

Changing or cancelling a test

Give at least 3 full working days’ notice to change or cancel Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3, or you pay again. Monday to Saturday count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays don’t. Cancel Part 1 later than that and you lose the fee.

If illness, injury, a bereavement, a school or college exam or a stolen licence forces a short-notice change, you can ask DVSA for a refund. Email it with the subject ‘Unavoidable short notice cancellation’ and attach proof, such as a fit note.

GOV.UK: Check, change or cancel your instructor theory test ↗GOV.UK: Change your driving test appointment ↗
Sources: GOV.UK · DVSA on GOV.UK and 6 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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