- You pass with no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
- The examiner hands you the pass certificate and takes your provisional photocard licence.
- If you apply by post yourself, the documents must reach DVLA within 2 years of passing or you have to take the test again.
- A practical test costs £62 to £75 depending on the slot.
What counts as a pass
GOV.UK describes three kinds of fault. A dangerous fault involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. A serious fault is something potentially dangerous. A driving fault is not potentially dangerous, but repeating it can turn it into a serious one. Sixteen or more driving faults is a fail, as is a single serious or dangerous fault. On a pass, the examiner tells you what faults you made, if any, and gives you the certificate. A fail means booking again at least 10 working days ahead and paying the fee again.
Who does what on the day
| Examiner | You |
|---|---|
| Takes your provisional photocard licence | Hand it over, if you hold a photocard |
| Gives you the driving test pass certificate | Keep it safe as proof of the pass |
| Arranges for DVLA to send your full licence | Wait for it to arrive at your address |
You can start driving as soon as you have passed, provided you have insurance that allows you to drive without supervision.
When you must apply yourself
Automatic issue does not cover everyone. GOV.UK says you apply yourself if you did not give your provisional photocard to the examiner, your name or address changed after the licence was issued, or you hold an old-style provisional licence. The route is:
- Sign the test pass certificate.
- Complete form D1, available at a Post Office offering DVLA services.
- Add your identity documents and your provisional licence.
- Send it all to DVLA before the 2 years run out.
The page we read states no fee for the full licence at this stage and gives no waiting time for it to arrive, so we do not quote either. If it has not come, use DVLA's contact options on GOV.UK.
Checks that stop a purchased pass
On the day you bring your UK driving licence, and GOV.UK says you must be recognisable from the photo on it. Without a photocard you bring a valid passport and your paper licence. If the right documents are not with you, the test is cancelled and the fee is not refunded. Your theory pass number matters too, but if you lose the theory certificate you do not need a replacement: the examiner checks that you have passed the theory test before the driving test starts.
A pass certificate sold without a test is worthless for that reason. The certificate only means something because an examiner, who has checked you against your licence photo, issued it after watching you drive. See test impersonation for what happens to people who try to get round that check.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a certificate when I pass my driving test?
Yes. The examiner gives you a driving test pass certificate, takes your provisional photocard licence and arranges for DVLA to send your full licence, according to GOV.UK.
Can I drive straight after passing?
Yes, as long as you have insurance that lets you drive without supervision. The pass certificate is proof of the pass while the full licence is on its way.
How many faults can I have and still pass?
No more than 15 driving faults, and no serious or dangerous faults. Sixteen or more driving faults, or any serious or dangerous fault, is a fail.
What if I applied by post and left it too late?
GOV.UK says the documents must reach DVLA within 2 years of passing your test, or you will have to take it again. Do not leave a postal application sitting.
Is there a replacement for a lost theory pass certificate?
You do not need one for the practical test. GOV.UK says the driving examiner checks that you have passed your theory test before the driving test starts.