Before you book

Before you book your test, you should:

• make sure you have had adequate tuition
• make sure you understand the test procedure
• make sure you have a valid provisional licence
• check the vehicle categories are correct on your licence

• A: Motorcycles:  A1, A, P
• B: Motorcars:  B1, B, B+E (also F, K, H)
• C: Large goods:  C1, C, C1+E, C+E
• D: Large passenger:  D1, D, D1+E, D, D+E

How to book a test online

1. enter your last name, driver number and postcode; make sure you have read the terms and conditions and tick the box to accept them
2. click the 'Search' button at the bottom of the page; the system will search for your licence details and categories (a warning will show if you have entered any incorrect details) 
3. if booking a practical test, click to select your driving instructor or, if you don't have one, choose 'private booking' and a list of relevant tests will appear for you to choose from
4. click the 'Find free slot' button next to your chosen test. This will take you to a calendar where you can choose an available test date; click the word 'Available' on the date you wish to take your test. The following page allows you to select a suitable time for your test; click the 'Book' button below your chosen time
5. use the back arrow ← to return to the previous page if necessary
6. on the following page, you should check the details and input any other information required
7. click ‘Pay and book’ to proceed to the payment page. Enter your credit or debit card details as requested and click on 'Process payment' to make the payment
8. you will shortly be directed to a payment confirmation page. Click 'Print receipt' (if required) and a confirmation email will be sent automatically to the address given

Rescheduling or cancelling a booking

To cancel or reschedule your driving test, whether the test was booked online or at DVS, you must give three whole working days' notice (excluding Weekends, public holidays, Christmas Day and Good Friday). If you cancel your test without giving three whole working days' notice, you will lose your fee and no refund will be given.

If you booked your test online, your credit/debit card will automatically be refunded within a few days. If you can't cancel your booking online you or someone acting on your behalf must visit us at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) with your provisional licence.

If your booking was made and paid for at our offices, you will still be able to amend or cancel online. However, you will have to visit us at our offices (DVS) to get your refund as you will not be automatically refunded online. Please bring your booking receipt and provisional licence with you.

How to amend or cancel your appointment online:

1. sign in to the website with your last name, driver number and postcode. You will need to accept the terms and conditions again and then click the 'Search' button
2. you should immediately see your existing booking (check the reference number against your receipt if you are unsure)
3. if you wish to move your booking to a new date (and you have given three whole working days' notice), click the 'Change' button, then 'Amend date' and select a new date from the calendar shown
4. if you do not wish to sit your test and need a refund (and you have given three whole working days' notice), click the 'Cancel' button instead. Click 'Cancel' again and a message will appear to confirm your booking has been cancelled and that you will receive a refund shortly. If you have booked at our offices, a message will ask you to visit us in person to get your refund
5. you should receive a confirmation email shortly

Driving theory test information

What can I do to prepare for my theory test?

 The following publications can help you to prepare for the driver theory test:

• Jersey Highway Code (available free of charge from your parish hall or download using the link below
• Official Highway Code
• Official Theory Test for Car Drivers (from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA))
• Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists
• Official Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles
• Official "Islands" Driving Theory Test App
• Official "Islands" Driving Theory Test DVD or USB stick (available from Driver and Vehicle Standards)​ (for Windows PC only)
• there are also various UK hazard perception practice clips available online which give an overview and may be helpful when preparing for the test

Jersey Highway Code

What can I expect on the day?

You will sit your test at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) at La Collette, St Helier (please see 'How to find us' for map).  You should arrive at DVS reception at least 15 minutes before your test is due to start. You will not be allowed to take your test if you're late, and you'll have to apply and pay again.

You must bring your provisional licence with you. You should check that the date is still valid and that it covers the correct category for the test you are taking.

The theory test

From 1 November 2016 the driver theory test changed to consist of a two part exam. Both parts must be passed before booking or taking the practical driving test. You will have to sit the complete test again and repay if you fail either part.

Both tests need a level of competency in the use of computers, including operating a mouse. There is a voice over option available, in English only.

Part (A) is the driving theory test which consists of multiple choice questions.

Part (B) is the hazard perception test which consists of short video clips of developing driving hazards.

Motorcycles and Cars

Part (A) consists of 50 questions and the time allowed is 60 minutes, inclusive of 5 minutes practice time. You must answer 43 out of 50 questions correctly to pass.

Part (B), the hazard perception part of the test, requires candidates to look at 14 short video clips and identify developing hazards. There are 13 clips with 1 hazard and 1 clip with 2 hazards to identify.

Each hazard clip is worth a maximum score of 5 points. The maximum points you can score for the motorcycle and car test is 75 (5 x 15 hazards) you must score a minimum of 44 to pass.

The time allowed for part (B) is 15 minutes. You will have a 3 minute optional break between part (A) and part (B).

Lorries and buses

Part (A) of the theory test for large goods and large passenger vehicles consists of 100 questions and the time allowed is 120 minutes, inclusive of 5 minutes practice time. You must answer 85 out of 100 questions correctly to pass.

Part (B), the hazard perception test, requires candidates to look at 19 short video clips and identify developing hazards as early as possible.

The time allowed for part (B) is 20 minutes. You will have a 3 minute optional break between part (A) and part (B).

There are 18 video clips with 1 hazard and 1 clip with 2 hazards to identify.

Each hazard clip is worth a maximum score of 5 points. The maximum points you can score for the large goods and large passenger vehicle test is 100 (5 x 20 hazards) you must score a minimum of 67 to pass.

Why should I keep my pass certificate?

Your pass certificate is a legal document and you will need it to book your practical test. You will also need to give it to the examiner on the day of your practical test. If you can't find it, you will need to buy a duplicate document and pay a fee before you sit your practical test.

How long is my pass certificate valid for?

Your pass certificate does not expire; however, it will be cancelled if you are convicted of an offence that requires you to resit the prescribed driving test.

Cars: practical test information

Can I take a practical driving test without taking a theory driving test?

No. You must pass the driving theory test before you can book or sit a practical driving test.

Where do I take my practical driving test?

You will sit your test at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) at La Collette, St Helier (please see 'How to find us' for map).

How can I book my practical driving test?

You can book your test online using your credit or debit card, or in person at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS). If you are booking in person, you'll need to bring your Jersey provisional licence, your theory test pass certificate and the fee (£47.90) either in cash, cheque or credit / debit card.

What time do I need to arrive for my test?

You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you arrive late, you will not be able to sit your test and will lose your fee.

What do I need to bring with me for my test?

You will need to bring:

• your valid Jersey provisional licence
• your theory test pass certificate
• a letter of permission, signed by the owner (if the vehicle does not belong to you), to use the vehicle for the test
• ensure that the vehicle is displaying a valid insurance WID

What will happen during my driving test?

At the start of your test the examiner will ask you to read a car registration plate containing six letters and figures from a distance of 20.5 metres (with the aid of spectacles or contact lenses if worn).

The examiner will then ask you two randomly chosen questions about your vehicle.

You will then go out in your vehicle for the driving part of the test. During the test the examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate that you can:

• move off correctly on a hill, complete two reversing manoeuvres, park your vehicle in either a left or right parallel parking space, drive defensively and anticipate the actions of other road users, use your observation skills when appropriate, assume the correct road position when driving and at junctions and generally drive safely and competently in a variety of road and traffic conditions

What vehicle can I take my test in?

You must take the practical driving test for cars in a vehicle that has:

• at least four wheels
• a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3500kg
• not more than eight seats in addition to the driver's

Your vehicle must also: 

• be in a road worthy condition
• have 'L' learner plates displayed on the front and rear
• not exceed 3500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW)
• have an integral passenger head restraint fitted: 'slip-on' type head restraints are not allowed
• have fully operational seat belts

If you want to be able to tow a trailer, or drive another category of vehicle, then you must take an additional practical driving test which is specific to that category. You can't take your test in left hand drive vehicles, all panel vans, Ford KA convertibles, BMW Mini convertibles, VW Beetle convertibles and Toyota iQs. If you are unsure about the suitability of your vehicle, check with Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) before taking your test.

Note: If you take and pass your practical test in an automatic vehicle your full licence will allow you to drive automatic vehicles only.

Motorcycles: practical test information

Can I take a practical driving test without taking a theory driving test?

No. You must pass the driving theory test before you can book or sit a practical driving test.

Where do I take my practical driving test?

You will sit your test at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) at La Collette, St Helier (please see 'How to find us' for map).

How can I book my practical driving test?

You can book your test online using your credit or debit card, or in person at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS). If you book in person, you will need to bring your valid Jersey provisional licence, your theory test pass certificate and your CBT certificate (if required). You can pay the fee by cash, cheque or credit / debit card.

What time do I need to arrive for my test?

You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you arrive late you will not be able to sit your test and will lose your fee.

What do I need to bring with me for my test?

You'll need to bring:

• your valid Jersey provisional licence
• your theory test pass certificate
• your CBT certificate (if required)
• a letter of permission, signed by the owner (if the vehicle does not belong to you), to use the vehicle for the purpose of the test
• ensure that the vehicle is displaying a valid insurance WID

Are there any requirements for the vehicle that I want to take my test on?

Your vehicle must meet the requirements of one of the following categories:

• (P) Moped i. an engine capacity which does not exceed 50cc ii. a maximum design speed of 30mph iii. a kerbside weight which does not exceed 250kg
• (A1) Light motorcycle i. an engine capacity of at least 75cc and no more than 125cc ii. a maximum power output of 11kw iii. a power to weight ratio of 100kw / tonne
• (A) Heavy motorcycle i. an engine capacity of at least 240cc ii. an unladen weight which does not exceed 407kg 

• be in a road worthy condition
• have an 'L' learner plate as part of the rear number plate
• have fully operational direction indicators
• have a brake light that operates with the front brake and the rear brake.

Note: If you take, and pass your practical test on an automatic vehicle, your full licence will allow you to drive automatic vehicles only.

What does the on-road test involve?

This section of the test applies to all categories. Before the test you will be fitted with a radio receiver and speaker. The examiner will follow you in a car and give you instructions. The examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate that you can:

• ride defensively and anticipate the actions of other road users
• use rear observation when appropriate
• assume the correct road position when riding and at junctions
• generally ride safely and competently in a variety of road and traffic conditions

What does the off-road test involve?

This section only applies to category (A) heavy motorcycle. The examiner will observe you performing a variety of manoeuvres in an area away from the public highway. You will be asked to do:

• three figures-of-eight around cones
• slalom around cones
• a U-turn in an enclosed area
• a controlled stop in a specific area
• an emergency stop ride alongside the examiner who will walk, varying his or her pace

Test information for other vehicles

Will I have to take a theory test to drive other types of vehicles (eg lorries or buses)?

It depends on whether the vehicle categories you want to add to your licence are covered by a theory test you have taken previously.  If they are covered, your previous theory test certificate will exempt you from sitting another driving theory test. If they are not covered, then you will need to take the relevant theory test before you can take the practical driving test. There are separate theory tests for different types of vehicles.

Will I have to take a practical test to drive other types of vehicles?

It depends on whether the vehicle categories you want to add to your licence are covered by any practical driving test you have taken previously. If they are covered, you will not need to take another practical driving test.  If they are not covered, then you will need to take the relevant practical driving test.

Note: Vehicles are split into distinct categories and will probably not be covered by previous tests (see 'Before you book' for all categories).

Can I tow a trailer behind a vehicle that my licence already covers me for?

It depends on the weight of the trailer. If the trailer weighs less than 750kg, then it will be covered by your licence. If it weighs more than 750kg, you will need to take another practical driving test that is specific to that category of vehicle plus a trailer.

What can I expect from the practical driving test?

All practical driving tests (except the one for motorcycles / mopeds) follow a similar format to the practical driving test for cars, although you may be asked to perform some extra manoeuvres depending on the vehicle you are driving.

What vehicle can I take my test in?

Different practical driving tests require different vehicles. You will need to take the test in a vehicle that meets the specifications for that particular category. The test you will need to take depends on which category of vehicle you want to add to your licence.

How to find us

Directions

Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) is located at La Collette, St Helier opposite the new incinerator and next to the main Transport and Technical Services building. There is a small short stay car park directly in front of the building.

Map