By car, the A970 runs north and leads directly into the town, where signs point toward the test centre and nearby parking is available once you arrive. There is no rail line on Shetland, so anyone travelling by train needs to reach Aberdeen station first and then take the ferry crossing to Lerwick; a Stagecoach service toward Aberdeen is the equivalent option for bus travellers, followed by the same ferry leg. Once you land in Lerwick, a local bus or a short walk covers the final stretch into town. Because journeys to Lerwick often involve an overnight crossing or an early flight, learners preparing here tend to book their theory test with a wide buffer either side, rather than cutting it fine on the same day as travel. That planning mindset carries over well into intensive driving tuition too: LPOD’s course options are structured so a pass here, followed by focused practical lessons booked once you are confident, keeps momentum without wasting a long journey. On the day, bring your provisional licence and booking confirmation, and arrive with time in hand given how travel to the islands can be unpredictable. Since 12 May 2026, DVSA requires candidates to book and manage their own practical test rather than leaving it to a third party, so hold onto your DVSA account details once theory is passed. For the full fee breakdown, see our guide to theory test costs and how to pay. Photo ID is checked at the door: a provisional licence photocard is enough by itself, though a paper licence must be paired with a current passport. Island roads mix single-track stretches with the A970’s faster sections, so practical tuition here benefits from covering both rather than town driving alone. Given how travel to Shetland can be affected by weather, it is worth knowing that DVSA allows a booked theory test to be rescheduled online with at least three clear working days’ notice, so a delayed ferry does not automatically mean losing the £23 fee.
Page reviewed and updated 17 July 2026.