Hi guys - I have had a good search through but could not find the answer to this hypothetical question.
If I have sent my licence of to dvla after medical but prior to theory and hpt so therefore no provisional entitlement yet, can I call my desired training company and book my class 2 lessons now?
The reason I ask is I have a week off early February and want to do a 5 day intensive with test on the Friday but the training company can’t book test without valid entitlement.
I’m worried about waiting for everything to come back from dvla (I know I can check online for when its added) which could be early January and then they are fully booked in February!.
Maybe I could offer to pay a holding deposit?
Is this possible?, thanks guys.
I think most schools will book you for a course in Feb at this stage with a non refundable deposit
If it gets too close to that date and for whatever reason you have not passed theory then its possible the school might find another to take your course so you do not lose deposit but use it for a later course
The test itself does not need to be named now but within 5 days of you doing it
Most trainers book tests using a trainer booking system that is not available to an individual. Basically test slots are bought weeks in advance and candidates named only a few days before the test. They cannot be named unless the candidate has passed both theory tests.
The same system applies to CPC mod2 & mod4
Trainers can be reluctant to allocate a blank slot to a candidate in case the driver fails the theory and the test may be lost and the vehicle seat empty.
As Rog says though some may be prepared to gamble on the candidate passing the theory because they may be able to offer the test to someone else if things don’t go as planned.
I would say most experienced trainers will be used to things changing at the last minute and should be able to offer what you want.
as above
Pete 
I definitely won’t book anyone in for training until the MC & HPT has been passed.
When I do take a booking I ask for a deposit of a minimum of £115 and then the balance is paid on the first day of training.
Just an insight how I operate.
Paul 
Thanks very much, that’s really put my mind at rest.