When Is The Best Time To Book Your Driving Test in the UK?

Whether you are eager to pass as soon as possible or looking for a quieter period, understanding when to book your driving test can help you plan ahead. Here’s a guide on the best time to book your driving test in the UK.

Best Time to Book Your Driving Test

1. Booking Early: Avoid Long Waiting Times

One of the biggest factors to consider when booking your driving test is availability. Many driving test centres across the UK experience long waiting times, especially during busy periods like school holidays or after Christmas. Booking early is essential to secure a test date that works for you. In some areas, waiting times can be up to 3 months or more, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

The best time to book is as soon as you are eligible to take the test. You can book your test once you have passed your theory test and feel confident behind the wheel. Don’t wait until the last minute, as you might find yourself dealing with long delays or having to take a test on a less-than-ideal date.

2. Consider School Holidays

School holidays are often the busiest times for driving tests in the UK. Since many young people are learning to drive around this time, the demand for test slots increases, which can result in longer waiting times. Summer holidays, Christmas, and Easter are particularly busy, as they coincide with school breaks when many learners want to take their test. 

If you can, try to avoid booking your test during these peak times. Instead, consider booking your test for outside of peak holiday seasons—such as in late autumn or early spring—when demand may be lower. This way, you’re more likely to find an available test date sooner and with less competition.

3. Take Weather into Account

While the UK is known for unpredictable weather, summer months (June to August) tend to offer the best conditions for driving tests. With longer daylight hours, better visibility, and generally drier roads, the chances of being tested in ideal conditions are higher. This is particularly important when you’re still refining your driving skills.

However, if you want to avoid the summer crowds, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) can also offer relatively mild weather. While winter may not be the best season to book a driving test due to shorter days, cold temperatures, and potential rain or snow, it’s not impossible to take a test during these months—just be prepared for more challenging conditions.

4. Weekdays vs Weekends

Another consideration is whether you should book your test for a weekday or a weekend. Weekends tend to be more popular, and as a result, they may have longer waiting times. If you have a flexible schedule, weekdays (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to offer more availability and a slightly less hectic testing environment. 

However, if you’re someone who works or studies during the week, booking a weekend test may be more practical, even though the wait might be longer.

5. Consider Your Personal Readiness

Finally, the best time to book your driving test is when you feel genuinely ready. Don’t rush into it just because a test date is available—take the time to practice and build confidence behind the wheel. Ensure you’ve had enough lessons with your instructor, and if possible, take a few mock tests to simulate the real experience.

By booking your test when you’re truly prepared, you’re more likely to pass the first time and avoid unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

In the UK, the best time to book your driving test depends on several factors: the availability of test dates, school holiday schedules, weather conditions, and your personal readiness. Booking early and avoiding peak times can help you secure a more convenient test slot, while also increasing your chances of passing in ideal conditions. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that you’re confident in your driving ability before taking the test—so pick a date that works best for you!