What is Driving Test Routes UK?

Driving Test Routes UK is a free mobile app for UK learner drivers. It gives you access to 3,000+ real DVSA driving test routes across all 326 test centres in England, Wales, and Scotland, so you can practise the exact roads your examiner will use before your test.

Which DVSA test centres does the app cover?

The app covers all 326 DVSA driving test centres across the UK — from large cities to small rural centres. Search by name or location to find your nearest centre, then browse every practice route associated with it.

How many driving test routes are in the app?

Driving Test Routes UK includes 3,000+ real practice routes compiled from actual UK driving tests. Each route includes the distance, estimated duration, difficulty level, and a map so you know exactly where you will be driving.

Is Driving Test Routes UK free to download?

Yes — Driving Test Routes UK is free to download on both iOS and Android. The free version gives you full access to browse routes for your chosen test centre. No account or credit card is required to get started.

Is Driving Test Routes UK available on Android?

Yes. Driving Test Routes UK is available as a free download on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Search "Driving Test Routes UK" in your app store or use the download links on this page.

Do the routes in the app reflect real DVSA test routes?

The routes in Driving Test Routes UK are compiled from real UK driving test data — the same roads, junctions, and manoeuvres that examiners use. While examiners can vary a route slightly, practising these routes gives you strong familiarity with what to expect on test day.

Can Driving Test Routes UK help me pass my driving test?

Practising test routes before your lesson means you already know the roads — so your instructor can focus on technique rather than directions. Many learners find they need fewer lessons and feel more confident on test day after regularly using the app.

From 12 May 2026: Only Learners Can Book and Manage Their Own Driving Test

A major change is coming to how UK practical driving tests are booked. From 12 May 2026, it will be against the law for anyone other than the learner themselves to book, change, swap or cancel a car driving test. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has notified driving instructors directly, and the deadline is firm: the instructor booking portal closes at 6pm on 11 May 2026.

What Is Changing and Why

For years, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and driving schools have been able to manage their pupils' test bookings on their behalf — a convenience that also led to widespread issues with test slot touting and unfair booking practices. This change puts control firmly back in the hands of the learner, treating test appointments as personal data that only the candidate should control.

What Learners Need to Do Before 12 May

If your instructor currently holds your test booking, you need to act now. Three steps are required:

Get your booking reference number — your instructor is legally required to give this to you, as it is your personal data.
Update the email address on your booking to your own — sign in at GOV.UK using your driving licence number and booking reference. This change does not count as one of your two permitted booking amendments.
Add your own phone number to the booking at the same time.

What Instructors Must Do

DVSA has written to all instructors currently using the booking system with clear instructions. If you are an instructor with pupil bookings dated from 12 May onwards, you must:

Provide every affected pupil with their booking reference number immediately.
Replace your email address with the learner's email on any existing bookings before 11 May.
For any new bookings made before the deadline, use the learner's own email address from the start.
Not retain or use booking reference numbers after 12 May except for legitimate financial or audit records such as refunds.

How to Access and Manage Your Booking

Once you have your booking reference and driving licence number, you can manage your test appointment through the GOV.UK driving test booking service. You are permitted two changes to your test appointment. Updating your contact email address specifically does not count as a change — so do that first, then use your permitted changes only when genuinely needed.

What Happens After 12 May

After the portal closes on 11 May, instructors will have no access to book or manage any test on behalf of a pupil. Any rescheduling, cancellation, or change must be done directly by the learner through GOV.UK. This applies to all car practical driving tests across the UK. DVSA has made clear this is a legal requirement, not a guideline.

Why This Is Good for Learners

Beyond compliance, this change gives you direct visibility and control over one of the most important appointments of your driving journey. You'll receive DVSA communications directly, you can choose your own test date and centre based on your readiness — not your instructor's diary — and you'll have full oversight of your own booking data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my instructor refuses to give me my booking reference?: DVSA has confirmed the booking reference is your personal data and your instructor is required to provide it. If they refuse, contact DVSA directly through the GOV.UK service.
Will updating my email address use up one of my two permitted changes?: No. DVSA has confirmed that updating the email address on your booking does not count as one of your two permitted booking changes, even if both changes have already been used.
Can I still use a driving school to help me pick a test date?: Yes — instructors can advise you on test readiness and help you identify suitable dates. But from 12 May, the actual booking action must be made by you, the learner, using your own GOV.UK account.
What if I don't have my booking reference and my test is after 12 May?: Contact your instructor immediately — they are legally required to provide it. If you cannot reach them, contact DVSA directly and provide your driving licence number. Act before 11 May.
Does this affect theory test bookings?: This specific change applies to practical car driving test bookings. Theory test booking rules are managed separately through the DVSA theory test booking service.