How much does it cost to get a UK driving licence?
Getting on the road is made up of several separate official costs paid to the DVLA, the DVSA and your driving instructor. The figures below are a general guide for 2026 — the official fees are set by the government, so always confirm the current amount on GOV.UK before you pay. For a fuller walkthrough, see our detailed guide on the cost to get a driving licence.
| Service | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional driving licence | £34 online / £43 by post | One-off DVLA fee; you must have this before you can learn. |
| Car theory test | £23 | Multiple-choice questions plus the hazard perception test. |
| Car practical test | £62 weekday / £75 evening & weekend | Paid to the DVSA when you book. |
| Driving lessons | ~£30–£40 per hour | Varies by area; the DVSA suggests around 45 hours of lessons plus private practice. |
Practise the real test routes for less.
Learn the actual driving-test routes around your test centre with the RouteBuddy sat-nav app — from just £1.
Theory test fees
The car and motorcycle theory test costs £23. It combines a multiple-choice section with the hazard perception video test — you must pass both parts in the same sitting. Lorry and bus (LGV/PCV) theory is charged separately: £26 for the multiple-choice part and £11 for hazard perception.
Practical test fees
The car practical driving test costs £62 on a weekday, or £75 in the evening, at the weekend or on a bank holiday. Motorcycle tests are split into Module 1 (off-road, £15.50) and Module 2 (on-road, £75 weekday / £88.50 evening & weekend), and most riders first complete CBT training (typically £130–£170, set by the training school).
Provisional licence & lessons
Your provisional driving licence is a one-off £34 when you apply online with the DVLA (£43 by post). Professional driving lessons are not a fixed government fee — they typically run £30–£40 per hour depending on where you live and your instructor. As a rough total, learners often spend several hundred pounds on lessons before they are test-ready.
1driver no longer sells theory-test access. This page is provided for information only. All fees are a guide for 2026 — check GOV.UK for the current official amounts.