Drivers have been warned by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that if you are preparing for your theory test, you will want to take action before it gets cancelled. In an email sent to those booked for the exam, it highlighted the importance of ensuring your provisional licence is up to date – and that you actually bringing your card with you.
The message stated: “You must be recognisable from the photo on your driving licence. You must change the photo on your driving licence if you cannot be recognised from it.” Additionally, the email reminded candidates that if their name has changed since booking the test, they must bring an official document “such as a marriage certificate or deed poll that proves you have changed your name.”
It added: “If you do not have a legal document, you need to cancel your theory test and book a new one in your new name using your new driving licence number.”
In another word of caution, it said: “You must take your UK driving licence to your theory test.” With a yellow warning emoji alerting people to the crucial information, it stressed: “Your test will be cancelled if you do not take this.”
At present, the cost of car and motorcycle tests is £23. To take your theory or practical driving test, you must have lived in England, Wales, or Scotland for a minimum of 185 days within the 12 months preceding your test date. If you’re heading to the test centre for a lorry or bus exam, it will cost the following:
- part 1a (multiple-choice questions) – £26
- part 1b (hazard perception) – £11
- part 2 (case studies) – £23
You will still be charged based on what your test is. The DVSA explained: “You will not get a refund. You will need to book another test and pay again.”
In another warning on X, drivers are being told that they may need to carry out a simple “five-minute” task that could help people dodge fines of up to £1,000. This means that if you are planning on driving straight after you pass, you will want to act fast.
Failing to pay your vehicle tax will lead to a penalty, which can escalate to as much as £1,000 if the matter reaches court. You can opt to pay this yearly or as a monthly payment.
Your car could also be clamped or seized if it is not taxed and is parked on a public road. On X, the DVLA stated: “Set up your driver and vehicles account on http://GOV.UK and you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email. Do it today – it only takes five minutes: http://gov.uk/dvla/account.”