Drivers heading to the Sidcup theory test centre generally use the A20, coming off at Sidcup Hill before following the local signs into the town centre, where pay-and-display parking is available close by. The A20 itself carries a mix of dual carriageway and signalled junctions on the approach from the M25, so it’s worth learners becoming comfortable with lane discipline and roundabout positioning on those stretches before test day, since examiners often route practical tests along similar roads. Rail passengers should aim for Sidcup Station, served by Southeastern, and from the station it’s either a short walk or a quick bus hop into the centre. Bus routes 51, 233 and 321 all call close to the test centre, so check timetables the night before rather than relying on turning up and hoping. Whichever way you travel, arrive with time to spare: DVSA marks candidates as a no-show if they turn up late, and a missed slot means paying the £23 fee again for a new booking. For learners working through an intensive course with LPOD, instructors near Meopham can build local road knowledge into lessons well before the theory test date, so the move from passing theory to booking a practical slot feels less like starting from scratch. For a full breakdown of what the £23 covers and how to pay, LPOD’s theory test costs guide covers the payment options DVSA accepts. Bring your provisional licence itself rather than a photo of it, and if you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, wear them for the test as well as the eyesight check beforehand. Fail either section and DVSA asks for a minimum three-working-day wait before you can book again, and the practical test that follows theory costs £62 on a weekday.
Page reviewed and updated 17 July 2026.