Learner drivers to pay less for theory tests from October 2014
The cost of car and motorcycle theory tests will drop from £31 to £25 in October 2014, and then to £23 in October 2015.
The cost of the driving theory test will be cut by 25%, saving learner drivers in excess of £100 million over the next 9 years, Transport Minister Stephen Hammond announced on 23 June 2014.
The fee for car and motorcycle theory tests will fall by £6 in October 2014, taking the cost of a test from £31 to £25, with a further drop of £2 in October 2015.
Theory test fees for other categories of vehicle will also be reduced. The changes have been confirmed following a public consultation.
Read the full response to the consultation.
Book tests at the new price
The changes for 2014 apply to theory tests taken from 1 October 2014.
You can book tests for this date onwards from 20 August 2014.
You’ll have to pay the old fee if you choose a test date before 1 October 2014.
Keeping costs down for motorists
Making the announcement in June 2014, Stephen Hammond said:
We want to keep costs down for all motorists – that’s why we have frozen fuel duty – and by reducing the cost of the theory test we will save aspiring motorists around £9 million annually.
This has been achieved without compromising on the vital role the theory test plays in making sure that new drivers know The Highway Code and the rules of the road. I am delighted that theory tests will now offer better value for money while continuing to meet these rigorous standards.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Chief Executive, Alastair Peoples, said:
By agreeing new contract arrangements for the delivery of theory tests we have secured significant cost savings, and it is right that we pass these savings on to our customers. We want to make sure that we continue to keep pace with customers’ needs and deliver services in a way which is both convenient and cost effective.
Car theory test costs - £31 currently, £25 from October 2014, £23 from October 2015
Current and new theory test costs
| Type of test | Current cost | October 2014 cost | October 2015 cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car theory test | £31 | £25 | £23 |
| Abridged car theory test | £24 | £19 | £18 |
| Motorcycle theory test | £31 | £25 | £23 |
| Driver CPC module 1 (part 1): lorry and bus multiple-choice questions test) | £35 | £28 | £26 |
| Driver CPC module 1 (part 2): lorry and bus hazard perception test) | £15 | £12 | £11 |
| Driver CPC module 2 : case studies test | £30 | £24 | £23 |
| Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test | £90 | £83 | £81 |
Avoid extra charges when booking your test
You can also save money by making sure you use the official theory test booking service at www.gov.uk/booktheorytest. Other websites might charge extra fees.
By using the official booking service on GOV.UK you’ll only pay for the cost of the test itself.
Updates to this page
Last updated 19 August 2014 + show all updates
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Added details of when theory tests can be booked at the new prices.
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First published.