Booking your test with DVSA
Under UK rules effective May 12, 2026, It is illegal for driving instructors or any third parties to book, swap, or manage car driving tests on behalf of a student.
How the Booking Process Works Now.
Book Yourself: You must log into the official GOV.UK Driving Test Booking Service using your own UK provisional driving licence and payment card.
Check Instructor Availability: You should check with your instructor as to their availability before choosing your test date and time. This ensures your instructor is free to take you to the test.
Test Fees: The standard practical test cost is £62 for weekdays and £75 for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Changes Limit: You are restricted to a maximum of 2 changes per booking (covering date, time, or test centre), and moves are limited to the original centre or the 3 nearest test centres.
DVSA Full Cost Breakdown (Car Drivers)
Provisional Licence
£34 to £43
£34 if you apply online via GOV.UK; £43 if you apply by post.
Theory Test
£23
Required before you can book your practical test. The price is the same regardless of the day or time.
Practical Test (Weekday)
£62
Standard Monday to Friday daytime slots.
Practical Test (Off-Peak)
£75
Applies to evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Extended Driving Test
£124 to £150
Only required if you are retaking a test after being disqualified from driving.
Important Rules to Remember
Instructor Fees: The DVSA fee only covers the examiner's time. It does not include the cost of hiring your driving instructor's car for the test day, which typically costs an additional 1 to 2 hours of their standard lesson rate.
Cancellations & Changes: You can change or cancel your appointment for free on GOV.UK as long as you provide at least 3 clear working days' notice. If you change it late or fail to show up, you forfeit the fee and must pay in full again to rebook.
If You Fail: There are no discounted rates for retests. If you need to retake the exam, you must wait at least 10 working days and pay the full £62 or £75 fee again.
Choosing your first car...
The Best First Cars for New Drivers Passed your test or getting ready to? It's time to find your first car! Choosing your first car is an exciting milestone, but with so many makes and models available, knowing where to start can be difficult. At Stellar Drive, we want you to feel confident not just when you pass your driving test, but when you start driving independently, too. For your first car, we recommend looking for something that's affordable to buy, economical to run, easy to park and, most importantly, affordable to insure.
Our Top 10 Cars for First-Time Drivers
1. Volkswagen Up!
• Compact and easy to manoeuvre.
• Great for town driving and parking.
• Economical and practical for everyday use.
• A popular choice for new drivers.
2. Toyota Aygo
• Small, lightweight and easy to drive.
• Excellent for navigating busy roads.
• Generally economical to run.
• A great option for learners moving into independent driving.
3. Kia Picanto
• Compact, practical and comfortable.
• Good for town driving and short journeys.
• Available with useful safety features.
• A sensible all-round first car.
4. Hyundai i10
• Easy to handle and park.
• Comfortable for everyday journeys.
• Offers a good balance of practicality and economy.
• Worth considering if you want a small car with a little extra space.
5. Ford Fiesta
• Enjoyable to drive and widely available on the used-car market.
• Comfortable on town roads and longer journeys.
• A good option if you want something versatile.
• Check insurance costs carefully, as they can vary considerably between versions.
6. Skoda Citigo
• Small, practical and easy to manoeuvre.
• A sensible choice for town driving.
• Often available as a used car.
• Shares many similarities with the Volkswagen Up!
7. SEAT Mii
• Compact and straightforward to drive.
• Easy to park in tight spaces.
• A practical option for everyday journeys.
• Worth comparing with the Volkswagen Up! and Skoda Citigo.
8. Vauxhall Corsa
• A familiar choice for new drivers.
• Offers a useful balance of space and practicality.
• Suitable for town driving and longer trips.
• Compare the insurance group and running costs of different models.
9. Honda Jazz
• Spacious for a small car.
• Offers excellent everyday practicality.
• A useful choice if you need extra passenger or luggage space.
• Older used examples may be worth considering, subject to condition.
10. Dacia Sandero
• Offers plenty of space for the money.
• Practical for everyday driving.
• Worth considering if you want a larger first car.
Things to think about
Compare the purchase price, insurance and fuel economy before deciding. What Should You Look for in Your First Car? Before buying, consider these important points:
• Insurance: Get a quote before committing to a car. Premiums can vary significantly by model, engine size, age, postcode and your circumstances.
• Running costs: Consider fuel, road tax where applicable, servicing, tyres and repairs.
• Safety: Look for a good safety rating and features such as electronic stability control, automatic emergency braking and airbags where available.
• Size: A smaller car can be easier to park and manoeuvre, especially when you're starting out.
• Reliability: Check the vehicle's service history, MOT history and overall condition.
• Budget: Remember to leave money aside for insurance, maintenance and unexpected repairs.
Our Advice from Stellar Drive
There isn't one perfect first car for everyone. The best choice is one that suits your budget, your lifestyle and your confidence behind the wheel. Take your time, compare insurance quotes and, if possible, arrange an independent inspection before buying a used car.