Extended Driving Test - What You Need to Know
Facing extended retest after ban? Complete guide to extended driving test: costs, what happens, pass tips and when it's required. Expert advice available.
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If you’ve been disqualified from driving for certain offences, you may be required to pass an extended driving test before you can drive again. This isn’t the same as retaking your normal test. It’s longer, harder, and designed to thoroughly assess whether you’re safe to be back on the roads.
An extended driving test lasts approximately 60 minutes compared to the standard test’s 40 minutes. It covers more road types, more manoeuvres, and gives examiners more opportunity to assess your competence. The pass rate is lower than that of standard tests, and many drivers fail on their first attempt.
This page explains when an extended driving test is required, what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens if you fail.
Questions about your extended test requirement? Call +44 (0) 161 660 6050 for expert advice.
When Is an Extended Driving Test Required?
Courts order an extended driving test as part of the sentence for certain driving offences. You cannot drive after your disqualification ends until you’ve passed this test.
Mandatory extended test offences
For some offences, courts must order an extended driving test. These include:
- Dangerous driving (Section 2 RTA 1988) – Any conviction for dangerous driving triggers a mandatory extended retest requirement.
- Causing death by dangerous driving (Section 1 RTA 1988) – A mandatory extended driving test applies after disqualification for this offence.
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving (Section 1A RTA 1988) – Extended retest is mandatory following conviction.
- Manslaughter by driving – Where death results from driving and a manslaughter conviction follows, an extended retest is mandatory.
Discretionary extended test offences
For other offences, courts have discretion to order an extended driving test, but aren’t required to:
- Drink driving offences – Courts can order an extended retest for excess alcohol, failure to provide, and drink-related driving offences.
- Drug driving offences – Extended tests may be ordered for drug driving convictions.
- Careless driving (in serious cases) – While not common, courts can order extended tests for careless driving.
- Totting up disqualifications – If you’re banned for reaching 12 points, courts can order an extended driving test, though this is unusual. When a retest is ordered for totting up, it will typically be the extended version rather than a standard test.
If the court orders an extended driving test, this will be stated on your disqualification order. Check your paperwork if you’re unsure whether an extended test applies to you.
What Does the Extended Driving Test Involve?
The extended driving test is significantly more demanding than a standard driving test. Understanding what’s involved helps you prepare properly.
Test duration
A standard driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes. The extended driving test lasts around 60 minutes, though in some cases it may extend to 70 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the route. This extra time allows examiners to observe more of your driving across different situations.
Route and road types
Extended tests cover a wider variety of road types:
- Urban roads with heavy traffic
- Dual carriageways
- Rural roads
- Residential areas
- Complex junctions and roundabouts
The examiner will take you through challenging scenarios that wouldn’t all fit into a standard test. Expect to encounter most road types you’d face in everyday driving.
Manoeuvres
You’ll be asked to complete manoeuvres similar to a standard test:
- Parallel parking (reverse parking)
- Parking in a bay (reversing in or driving in)
- Pulling up on the right and reversing
- Emergency stop (required on every extended test in some cases)
The extended duration means examiners observe more of your general driving between manoeuvres, giving them better insight into your overall competence.
Independent driving
A portion of the test involves independent driving, where you follow directions from a sat nav or road signs rather than the examiner’s instructions. This tests your ability to drive safely while navigating.
Assessment criteria
You’re assessed on the same faults as a standard test:
- Driving faults (minors): Up to 15 allowed without failing.
- Serious faults: One serious fault means you fail. Serious faults are errors that caused actual danger or showed a serious lack of control.
- Dangerous faults: One dangerous fault means you fail. These are errors that caused actual danger to you, the examiner, the public, or property.
The longer test duration means more opportunity for faults to accumulate. A 60-minute test naturally presents more chances to make mistakes than a 40-minute test.
Nervous about your extended test? We can connect you with driving instructors who specialise in post-ban preparation. Call +44 (0) 161 660 6050.
Extended Driving Test Cost
The extended driving test costs more than a standard test, reflecting its longer duration.
Current fees (2026)
Extended driving test (car):
- Weekday: £124
- Weekday evening, weekend, bank holiday: £150
For comparison, standard driving test fees are:
- Weekday: £62
- Weekday evening, weekend, bank holiday: £75
The extended driving test is exactly double the price of a standard test.
Additional costs
Beyond the test fee itself, budget for:
- Driving lessons – Most people need refresher lessons before attempting an extended driving test, especially after a lengthy ban. Expect to pay £30-50 per hour, depending on your area.
- Car hire for test – If you don’t have access to a suitable vehicle, you’ll need to hire one or use your instructor’s car (which usually costs extra).
- Provisional licence application – After certain disqualifications, you’ll need to apply for a provisional licence before taking any test. This costs £34 online or £43 by post.
- Theory test (if required) – Some disqualifications require you to pass a theory test again. This costs £23.
Payment
Book your extended driving test through the DVSA website. Payment is required at booking. Cancellation with more than 3 clear working days’ notice gets you a full refund.
How to Book Your Extended Driving Test
Booking follows a similar process to booking a standard test, with some additional requirements.
Before you can book
You must have:
- A valid provisional driving licence
- Completed your disqualification period
- Passed a theory test (if your disqualification was 56 days or more, or if the court ordered it)
If you’re still disqualified, you cannot book the test until your ban ends. However, you can take lessons with a qualified instructor on a provisional licence once your ban ends, even before passing the extended test.
Booking process
Book online through the GOV.UK driving test booking service. Select “extended” when asked which test type you need.
You’ll need:
- Your provisional driving licence number
- Your theory test pass certificate number (if applicable)
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Email address for confirmation
Test centre availability
Extended driving tests are available at all practical test centres, but because they take longer, fewer slots are available compared to standard tests. Book well in advance, especially if you need a specific date.
Waiting times
Expect waiting times of 4-8 weeks in most areas, sometimes longer in busy regions. Don’t leave booking until the last minute if you need to drive again quickly.
Preparing for Your Extended Driving Test
Proper preparation significantly improves your chances of passing the first time.
Professional lessons
Even if you drove for years before your ban, professional refresher lessons are strongly recommended. Driving standards change, your skills may have degraded during disqualification, and you need to demonstrate particularly high standards.
Look for instructors with experience preparing drivers for extended tests. They understand the specific challenges and can focus your preparation appropriately.
How many lessons?
The number of lessons needed varies hugely:
- Short ban (up to 12 months): 5-15 lessons may be sufficient if your driving was previously competent
- Medium ban (1-3 years): 10-25 lessons is more realistic
- Long ban (3+ years): 20+ lessons is common, potentially more
Be honest about your starting point. If your driving led to a serious conviction, there may be habits or attitudes that need addressing, not just skills to refresh.
Theory test preparation
If you need to pass a theory test again, don’t underestimate it. The hazard perception element particularly catches experienced drivers who’ve become complacent.
Use official DVSA theory test practice materials. The test has changed over the years, and your previous knowledge may be outdated.
Mock tests
Before your actual test, take mock tests with your instructor. A 60-minute mock test in realistic conditions reveals weaknesses that shorter lessons might miss.
Need help finding the right instructor? Call +44 (0) 161 660 6050 for recommendations in your area.
Pass Rates and Common Failure Reasons
Understanding why people fail helps you avoid the same mistakes.
Pass rates
The DVSA doesn’t publish separate pass rates for extended driving tests. However, instructors and test centres report that pass rates are noticeably lower than standard tests.
Several factors contribute:
- Longer test duration means more opportunities for errors
- Many candidates haven’t driven for extended periods
- Test anxiety often affects drivers with previous serious convictions
- Some candidates underestimate the preparation needed
Common reasons for failing
Junction observations – Poor observation at junctions remains the most common serious fault category. After time off the road, some drivers develop casual observation habits.
Response to hazards – Failing to anticipate and respond appropriately to developing hazards catches many candidates. This includes both over-reaction (harsh braking unnecessarily) and under-reaction (not responding to genuine hazards quickly enough).
Mirror use – Not using mirrors appropriately before signalling, changing direction, or changing speed results in many serious faults.
Road positioning – Position errors, particularly on bends, approaching junctions, and in lanes, account for significant failures.
Speed management – Driving too fast for conditions or too slowly to make progress both cause failures. Appropriate speed requires constant judgment.
Manoeuvre control – While manoeuvre errors alone rarely fail candidates, poor control during manoeuvres combined with other faults can push fault totals over acceptable levels.
Multiple attempts
If you fail, you can rebook immediately. There’s no limit on attempts, but each test costs money and delays getting your licence back.
Most people who fail once pass on their second or third attempt. If you’re failing repeatedly, invest in more professional instruction rather than simply rebooking.
Theory Test Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to pass a theory test as well as the extended driving test.
When is a theory test required?
You must pass a theory test again if:
- Your disqualification was for 56 days or more
- The court specifically ordered you to take a theory test
- Your previous theory test certificate has expired (certificates last 2 years)
If your ban was under 56 days and the court didn’t order a theory retest, you may not need to take one. Check your disqualification paperwork.
Theory test content
The theory test has two parts:
Multiple choice questions – 50 questions with a pass mark of 43 out of 50. You have 57 minutes.
Hazard perception – 14 video clips showing driving situations with developing hazards. You score points for clicking when hazards appear.
The total pass mark is 43 on multiple choice AND 44 out of 75 on hazard perception. You must pass both parts in the same sitting.
Booking and cost
Book through the GOV.UK theory test service. The test costs £23 and must be passed before you can book your extended driving test.
What Happens If You Fail?
Failing your extended driving test is disappointing but not unusual. Here’s what happens next.
Immediate feedback
Your examiner will explain why you failed and give you a written report showing all faults recorded. Use this to focus your further preparation.
Rebooking
You can rebook another extended driving test immediately. The earliest available slot is usually 10 working days after your failed attempt, though practical availability may mean longer waits.
Continued restrictions
Until you pass, you cannot drive independently. You can only drive:
- As a learner, displaying L plates
- Supervised by a qualified driver (someone over 21 who’s held a full licence for at least 3 years)
- In a vehicle that’s not a large goods vehicle or passenger-carrying vehicle
This means you can continue taking lessons and practising legally, but cannot drive alone to work, take your family out, or otherwise drive independently.
Cost implications
Each failed attempt means:
- Another extended test fee (£124-150)
- Usually more driving lessons
- Longer without your full driving independence
Budget for at least two attempts when planning your return to driving. If you pass the first time, the reserved funds can go toward your eventual insurance costs.
Getting Your Licence Back After Passing
Once you pass your extended driving test, you can apply for your full driving licence.
Applying for your licence
If you were driving on a provisional licence during your preparation, you’ll need to exchange it for a full licence. Apply online through GOV.UK or by post using form D1.
Processing takes approximately 3 weeks by post, faster if you apply online with a valid passport.
Licence entitlements
Passing an extended driving test for cars (Category B) restores your full Category B entitlement. Other categories you previously held may or may not be restored automatically, depending on your disqualification terms. Check your paperwork.
Insurance
With your full licence restored, you can now insure a vehicle in your own name. Expect very high premiums initially, particularly if your conviction was drink or drug-related.
Shop around using comparison sites, and consider specialist insurers for convicted drivers. Premiums reduce over time as your conviction becomes older.
Ready to get back on the road? We can advise on the full process. Call +44 (0) 161 660 6050.
Why Scarsdale Solicitors Can Help
While we’re criminal defence solicitors rather than driving instructors, we help clients at every stage of driving disqualification, including understanding extended driving test requirements.
We can help with:
- Explaining exactly what your disqualification order requires
- Advising whether an extended test applies to your circumstances
- Recommending driving instructors experienced with post-ban candidates
- Appealing disqualification orders that incorrectly include extended test requirements
- Challenging unduly long disqualification periods
If you’re facing charges that might result in disqualification and extended test requirements, early defence representation can sometimes avoid these outcomes entirely.
Contact Scarsdale Solicitors today:
Phone: +44 (0) 161 660 6050
Address: Reeds House, 3-4 Hunters Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1YL
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Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding offences and process helps you make informed decisions about your future.
An extended driving test is a longer, more thorough driving test required after certain driving disqualifications. It lasts approximately 60 minutes compared to the standard 40 minutes and covers more road types and situations.
The extended driving test lasts approximately 60 minutes of actual driving, though it may extend to 70 minutes in some cases. With administration and feedback, expect the entire appointment to take about 90 minutes.
The extended driving test costs £124 on weekdays or £150 for weekday evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. This is exactly double the standard driving test fee.
You need an extended driving test if a court orders one as part of your disqualification. Mandatory extended tests apply for dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Courts have discretion to order extended tests for drink driving, drug driving, and some other offences.
If your disqualification was 56 days or more, or if the court specifically ordered a theory retest, you must pass the theory test before taking your extended driving test.
Only as a learner driver, displaying L plates, supervised by a qualified driver, in an appropriately insured vehicle. You cannot drive independently until you've passed the extended driving test.
The DVSA doesn't publish specific pass rates for extended tests. Anecdotally, pass rates are lower than standard tests due to the longer duration, time spent off the road, and increased test anxiety.
You'll receive feedback on why you failed and can rebook another attempt immediately. The earliest new test is usually 10 working days later. You continue driving only as a supervised learner until you pass.
There's no limit on attempts. You can keep taking the extended driving test until you pass, though each attempt costs money and delays getting your licence back.
Book online through the GOV.UK driving test booking service. Select "extended" as the test type. You'll need your provisional licence number, theory test pass certificate (if applicable), and payment card.
Allow enough time for proper preparation. Most people need at least 5-25 hours of professional lessons, depending on the ban length and previous driving ability. Rushing to test before you're ready just wastes money on failed attempts.
No. After disqualification, requiring an extended test, your previous licence is invalid. You must apply for a provisional licence and, after passing the extended test, apply for a new full licence.
Yes, in that it's longer (more opportunity for errors) and covers more road types. The assessment criteria are the same, but you're under observation for nearly twice as long.
The same manoeuvres as the standard test: parallel parking, bay parking, pulling up on the right and reversing, and potentially an emergency stop. The extended duration means a more general driving assessment between manoeuvres.
Yes, until you pass the extended driving test, you're a provisional licence holder and must display L plates whenever driving (except in Northern Ireland, where you can also use D plates).
If you believe the court ordered an extended test incorrectly (for an offence where it's not required or discretionary), you may be able to appeal. Speak to a solicitor about whether grounds exist.
There's no time limit for taking the extended driving test after your ban ends. However, the longer you wait, the more your skills may deteriorate. Most people want to drive again as soon as possible.
Yes, but if you pass in an automatic, your licence will be restricted to automatic vehicles only. If you want to drive manual cars, you must take the extended test in a manual vehicle.
If you believe your test was conducted unfairly, you can complain to the DVSA. However, complaints rarely overturn results. Focus on addressing the faults recorded rather than challenging the examiner.
Yes. Passing the extended driving test means you've demonstrated competence to drive and can be issued a full driving licence again.
Moving Forward After Disqualification
Facing an extended driving test can feel daunting, but thousands of drivers pass them every year. With proper preparation, appropriate lessons, and a realistic assessment of the time you need, you can get back on the road.
If you’re currently facing charges that might result in disqualification and an extended test requirement, contact us. Good legal representation can sometimes avoid these outcomes, or at least ensure the shortest possible disqualification period.
Call Scarsdale Solicitors on +44 (0) 161 660 6050 for advice about your driving disqualification.
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