Top Tips on Booking Your Practical Driving Test

Booking your practical driving test is a huge step toward becoming a confident, independent driver. I know just how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) it can feel. I’ve helped many learners across Guildford, Farnborough, and Chertsey prepare for their big day, and I want to share my best advice to help you book your test the smart way.

Here are my top tips to make sure you’re fully prepared — and ready to pass.

1. Make Sure You’re Really Ready

Don’t book your test just to get it done. You should feel confident driving independently, managing all manoeuvres smoothly, and handling different road and weather conditions without needing help from me.

If you're unsure, just ask — I’ll always be honest about whether I believe you’re ready.

2. Book Early — Test Slots Fill Quickly

Everyone is aware that the current wait time for practical driving tests is quite long — typically around 12 to 16 weeks depending on the test centre. Because of this, it’s even more important to be proactive when booking your test.

Test centres in Guildford, Farnborough, and Chertsey often get booked up well in advance. Once you're close to being ready, I recommend checking the official GOV.UK booking site regularly for availability.

Top tips:

☆ Be flexible with test centre locations and times, it increases your chances of finding a sooner slot.

☆ New test slots are usually released at 6am on Monday mornings, so that’s the best time to check for fresh availability.

Set an early alarm, have your details ready, and be ready to book quickly!

3. Only Use the Official Website

Make sure you only book your test through the official GOV.UK website. Some unofficial sites charge extra fees or use bots to grab cancellations and this can cause problems down the line. Stick with the official route for peace of mind.

4. Choose a Local Test Centre

Pick a test centre where you’ve had most of your lessons. I focus on local routes around Guildford, Farnborough, and Chertsey, so we can practise exactly what you’re likely to face on test day. Familiarity with the area can make a big difference.

5. Pass at Least Two Mock Tests

I strongly recommend passing at least two mock tests with me before you book the real thing. Mock tests are great for:

☆ Getting used to test-day nerves

☆ Spotting any remaining areas for improvement

☆ Building confidence in your own ability

If you can pass two mocks under realistic conditions, it’s a good sign you’re ready for the real thing.

6. Get Everything Ready When You Book

When you go to book your test, make sure you’ve got:

☆ Your provisional licence number

☆ Your theory test pass certificate number

☆ A credit or debit card to pay the fee

Having all your details ready will make the booking process smooth and stress-free.

7. Choose a Good Day and Time

Avoid booking your test on a day when you're likely to be rushed or tired. I also recommend booking a lesson beforehand it's a great way to warm up, settle your nerves, and get into the right headspace for success.

8. Remember the New 10-Day Rule

The DVSA now requires 10 working days’ notice if you need to cancel or move your test without losing your fee (it used to be 3 days). So be sure you’re fully confident in your chosen date before confirming.

Final Thoughts from Me

Booking your driving test is exciting — but it pays to be prepared. With good planning, honest feedback, and enough practice (especially mock tests!), you’ll give yourself the best shot at passing.

Not sure if you’re ready? Want to schedule a mock test? Just get in touch — I’m always happy to help you move forward.

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07551 104 887

hello@queenoftheroadsurrey.co.uk