DVSA Change Driving Test: How to Reschedule or Cancel your practical driving test online

Booking your driving test marks an exciting step toward getting your full UK driving licence. Plans change, though. You might need to reschedule your driving test or cancel it because of illness, schedule conflicts, or needing more practice time.

This guide explains how to change driving test appointments in the UK, what information you need, refund rules, and practical tips to avoid unnecessary changes.

Why You Might Need to Change or Cancel Your Driving Test

You can only change a driving test appointment after you already have a confirmed DVSA booking. If you haven't booked your practical test yet, visit the official DVSA booking service first.

Common reasons for needing a DVSA change driving test include:

• Needing more practice. You or your instructor may feel you need additional lessons, especially after struggling with certain maneuvers or failing a mock test.
• Schedule conflicts. Work commitments, education requirements, or family obligations might clash with your original test date.
• Instructor availability problems. Your driving instructor might be unavailable on your test date due to illness, holiday, or double-booking.
• Vehicle issues. The car you planned to use might break down, fail its MOT, or become unavailable.
• Illness or injury. You might fall ill or get injured, making it unsafe to take your test.
• Family emergencies. Unexpected situations like bereavements or family crises require immediate attention.
• Severe weather conditions. Dangerous weather like heavy snow, ice, or flooding might make driving unsafe.
• Test centre preference. You might want to switch to a more familiar test centre where you've practiced more.
• Earlier date availability. A cancellation slot might open at your preferred centre, allowing you to take your test sooner.

According to DVSA statistics, test centre waiting times vary significantly across the UK, with some locations experiencing delays of several months.

Understanding DVSA Notice Requirements

The DVSA requires specific notice periods when you change practical test appointments. Missing these deadlines means losing your test fee.

Notice Period Rules

For car driving tests, you must give 10 full working days' notice to change or cancel without losing your fee. The DVSA counts Monday through Saturday as working days. Sundays and public holidays don't count toward this requirement.

Here's how to calculate the deadline:

Count backward 10 working days from your test date, including only Monday through Saturday. Your cancellation or change must happen before the 10th working day.

If your test falls on a Tuesday, you need to cancel or change by the previous Wednesday (counting back Monday, Saturday, Friday, Thursday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Monday, Saturday, Friday, Thursday as your 10 working days).

For motorcycle, lorry, and bus tests, you need 3 full working days' notice.

Important DVSA Policy Change

Starting 31 March 2026, the DVSA will limit car driving test changes to just 2 modifications per booking. After your second change, you'll need to cancel completely and book a new test. This policy aims to reduce excessive rescheduling and improve test availability.

Plan carefully before making changes to avoid wasting your two allowed modifications.

How to Change Your Driving Test Date Online

The DVSA change driving test process happens entirely online through the official government service. You'll need specific information before starting.

Information You Need

Gather these details before accessing the DVSA change test service:

• UK driving licence number. This appears on your provisional driving licence card as a long number starting with your initials.
• Driving test reference number. You received this in your booking confirmation email from the DVSA.

OR

• Theory test pass certificate number. If you don't have your test reference number, you can use your theory test certificate number instead.

Step-by-Step DVLA Change Driving Test Process

Follow these steps for a practical driving test booking change:

• Visit the official service. Go to gov.uk/change-driving-test using any web browser.
• Start the process. Click the green "Start now" button on the landing page.
• Enter your licence details. Type your UK driving licence number exactly as shown on your licence. Double-check for accuracy.
• Enter your test reference. Provide either your driving test reference number or your theory test pass certificate number.
• Review current booking. The system displays your existing test appointment details, including date, time, and location.
• Select new preferences. Choose your preferred new date, time, or test centre from available options. The system shows all slots meeting your requirements.
• Confirm changes. Review your new booking carefully before confirming. Check the date, time, and location match what you want.
• Receive confirmation. The DVSA sends an email confirming your updated driving test details within minutes.

The online DVSA book driving test change service operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:40 PM. Outside these hours, you cannot make changes.

Changing Your Test Centre Location

You can change driving test location to any DVSA test centre in England, Scotland, or Wales. Many learners prefer test centres where they've practiced extensively.

Benefits of change driving test centre decisions include:

• Familiar roads and layouts reduce test-day anxiety
• Shorter travel distance saves time and stress
• Better availability might offer earlier test dates
• Instructor familiarity with specific centre requirements

When selecting a new centre, consider:

• Distance from home. Traveling too far increases pre-test stress and arrival challenges.
• Pass rates. Some centres have higher pass rates than others, though this often reflects local driving conditions rather than examiner strictness.
• Availability. Popular urban centres book up faster than rural locations.
• Practice area. Choose centres where you've completed most driving lessons.

How to Cancel Your Driving Test

If you need to cancel your test completely rather than reschedule, the cancel DVSA driving test process follows similar steps.

Steps to Cancel Your Test

• Access the cancellation service. Visit gov.uk/cancel-driving-test.
• Log in. Enter your UK driving licence number and driving test reference number.
• Follow prompts. The system guides you through the cancellation process.
• Confirm cancellation. Review the cancellation details before final confirmation.
• Check your email. The DVSA sends confirmation once your cancellation processes.

If you cancel within the required notice period, your test fee refunds to your original payment method within 5-10 working days.

When to Cancel vs. Reschedule

Cancel your test if:

• You're moving to a different area permanently
• You're taking an extended break from driving lessons
• You need to retake your theory test first
• You're unsure when you'll be ready to test

Reschedule your test if:

• You need a few more weeks of practice
• A specific date conflict arose
• You want to try a different test centre
• You found an earlier available slot

DVSA Refund Policy and Exceptions

Understanding the refund on driving test rules helps you avoid losing money on unavoidable cancellations.

Standard Refund Policy

The DVSA refunds your full test fee if you:

1. Cancel or change at least 10 full working days before your car test
2. Cancel or change at least 3 full working days before motorcycle, lorry, or bus tests
3. Use the official online service or DVSA phone line

Refunds process to your original payment method within 5-10 working days after cancellation.

Short-Notice Refund Exceptions

You might receive a refund on driving test fees even with short notice under specific circumstances:

• 1. Medical illness or injury. You're too unwell to safely take your test.
• 2. Bereavement. A close family member has died.
• 3. Required education exam. You must sit a school or college exam at the same time as your test.
• 4. Licence theft. Your driving licence was stolen, and you cannot obtain a replacement in time.

How to Request Exception Refunds

To request a short-notice refund:

Email DVSA immediately. Send your request to customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk as soon as you know you cannot attend.

Use a clear subject line. Write "Unavoidable short notice cancellation" or similar wording.

Include required information:

• Your full name as shown on your driving licence
• Your complete home address and postcode
• Your date of birth
• Your driving licence number
• Your test reference number
• Clear explanation of circumstances

Attach supporting evidence:

• Medical certificate or GP fit note for illness
• Death certificate or funeral notice for bereavement
• Official school or college letter confirming exam timing
• Police crime reference number for stolen licence

Wait for DVSA response. The DVSA reviews requests individually and responds by email, usually within 5-10 working days.

The DVSA considers each case individually. Approval isn't automatic, but providing clear evidence improves your chances significantly.

How to Rebook a Driving Test

After canceling, you'll need to rebook driving test practical appointments through the standard booking process.

Requirements for Rebooking

Before rebooking, confirm you have:

• Valid provisional driving licence. Check your licence hasn't expired.
• Current theory test pass. Theory test certificates expire after 2 years. If yours expired, you must retake the theory test before booking a practical test.
• Instructor recommendation. Most instructors advise waiting until you're consistently passing mock tests before rebooking.

Rebooking Process

• 1. Access the booking service. Visit gov.uk/book-driving-test.
• 2. Log in. Use your provisional driving licence number.
• 3. Select test type. Choose car, motorcycle, or another vehicle category.
• 4. Enter location. Provide your postcode to find nearby test centres.
• 5. Choose appointment. Select from available slots within the next 24 weeks.
• 6. Pay test fee:
  • £62 for weekday tests (Monday-Friday)
  • £75 for evening, weekend, or bank holiday tests
• 7. Receive confirmation. Check your email for booking confirmation from the DVSA.

Current DVSA data shows average waiting times range from 6-14 weeks depending on location, with urban centres experiencing longer delays than rural areas. Follow our guide to know more details about booking your practical driving test.

Tips to Avoid Needing Test Changes

Preventing unnecessary DVSA driving test change situations saves money and reduces stress.

Preparation Tips

• Take enough lessons. The DVSA recommends around 45 hours of professional lessons plus 20 hours of private practice for most learners.
• Pass mock tests consistently. Don't book until you're passing mock tests with your instructor regularly.
• Know your test routes. Practice extensively around your chosen test centre.
• Book strategically. Choose dates with built-in flexibility, avoiding important events or commitments.
• Check your calendar. Before booking, verify the date doesn't conflict with work, education, or family obligations.
• Confirm vehicle availability. Ensure your test car will be available and roadworthy on test day.
• Plan for instructor availability. Verify your instructor can accompany you to the test before booking.
• Consider weather seasons. Booking during mild weather months (May-September) reduces weather-related cancellation risks.

Need help passing your test?

Read our expert tips to pass your driving test, improve confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Test Day Preparation

• Vehicle checks. Confirm your test car has valid MOT, insurance, and tax.
• Documents ready. Keep your driving licence and theory test certificate accessible.
• Route familiarization. Complete practice sessions near the test centre in the days before your test.
• Rest properly. Get adequate sleep the night before to stay alert.
• Arrive early. Plan to reach the test centre 15 minutes before your appointment.

Can the DVSA Cancel Your Driving Test?

The DVSA can cancel DVSA driving test appointments under certain circumstances beyond your control.

DVSA-Initiated Cancellation Reasons

• Severe weather conditions. Heavy snow, ice, flooding, or dense fog create unsafe testing conditions.
• Examiner unavailability. Staff illness or emergency absences occasionally force cancellations.
• Test centre problems. Facility issues, power outages, or safety concerns might require closure.
• Industrial action. Strikes by DVSA staff can disrupt testing schedules.
• Vehicle defects. If your test car fails safety checks on arrival, the DVSA cancels your test.

What Happens When DVSA Cancels

When the DVSA cancels your test:

• You receive notification. The DVSA contacts you by email and sometimes by phone.
• Full refund issued. You automatically receive a full refund regardless of notice period.
• Priority rebooking. You get priority access to rebook your test.
• No penalty. DVSA cancellations don't count toward your 6-change limit (or 2-change limit after 31 March 2026).

If bad weather is forecast near your test date, contact your test centre the evening before and on the morning of your test to confirm whether testing proceeds.

Ready for the Road After You Pass?

Changing or cancelling your driving test is sometimes unavoidable, but planning ahead makes the process far less stressful. Understanding DVSA rules, notice periods, and refund options helps you stay in control and avoid unnecessary costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Driving Tests

1. How many times can you change your driving test?

Currently, you can change your driving test up to 6 times before needing to cancel and rebook. Starting 31 March 2026, this reduces to just 2 changes for car driving tests. Each change must meet the 10-day notice requirement to avoid losing your fee.

2. Can I reschedule my DVSA practical driving test?

Yes, you can reschedule driving test UK appointments through the official DVSA change service. You need your UK provisional driving licence number and either your driving test reference number or theory test certificate number.

3. What is the DVSA's refund policy?

To receive a full refund, you must change driving test UK appointments or cancel at least 10 full working days before car tests (3 full working days for other vehicle types). Working days include Monday-Saturday only. Missing this deadline forfeits your test fee unless you qualify for exception circumstances.

4. Will I get a refund if I cancel my driving test with little notice?

Generally no, but the DVSA may approve refunds for exceptional circumstances like serious illness, bereavement, stolen licence, or required education exams. You must contact the DVSA by email with supporting evidence to request consideration.

5. Is rescheduling a driving test the same as changing it?

Yes, driving test reschedule and DVSA change driving test mean the same thing. Both terms refer to modifying your test date, time, or location through the official DVSA service.

6. Can I change my driving test centre?

Yes, you can change driving test location to any DVSA test centre in England, Scotland, or Wales. Many learners choose centres where they've practiced extensively to reduce test-day stress.

7. How do I change my driving test date with the DVLA?

The DVLA change test date terminology is slightly outdated. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) now handles all driving test bookings and changes. Use the DVSA change service rather than contacting the DVLA.

8. What happens if I need to postpone my driving test?

To driving test postpone your appointment, use the official DVSA change service. Select a new date from available options at your preferred test centre. Remember to change at least 10 working days in advance to avoid losing your test fee.

9. How do I modify my driving test booking

To modify driving test appointments, visit the DVSA change service, enter your licence details and test reference number, then select your new preferred date, time, or location from available options.