How to change your driving test date

If you are looking to cancel or reschedule your driving test, there are some crucial pieces of information you’ll need to consider.

In this learning to drive guide, we explain what you need to do in order to change or cancel your driving test. 

Yes, you can cancel your driving test, but to get a refund you must give the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) at least 10 full working days’ notice for car driving test or 3 full working days’ notice for all other tests.

Working days are counted as Monday to Saturday by the DVSA.

To cancel your driving test, you’ll need your UK driving licence number, driving test reference number and details from your theory test pass certificate.

You can cancel online via the Gov's driving test cancel website - it is available Monday to Saturday, 6am to 11.40pm.

If you need to cancel your driving test at short notice, you may be eligible for a refund if one of the following situations apply:

• You are unwell or injured
• You have experienced a bereavement
• You are required to sit an exam at school or college
• Your driving licence has been stolen

To request a refund under these circumstances, you must email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with the subject line: ‘Unavoidable short notice cancellation’.

In your email, you must attach proof of the reason for your cancellation. Acceptable forms of evidence include a letter from your school or college confirming that you have an exam at the same time as your driving test, a crime number and the name of the police officer dealing with your case if your licence was stolen, or a fit note or medical certificate from your GP.

If you were ill for seven days or fewer, you may need to pay for a private medical certificate to provide proof.

In addition to the supporting documents, your email must also include your full name (as shown on your driving licence), your home address, postcode, and your date of birth.

Yes, you can change the date of your driving test by visiting Gov.uk/change-driving-test. You must have your UK provisional driving licence and driving test reference number to hand.

You can use the DVSA online service to rebook your driving test with a different date and test centre.

Leaners will have to give 10 full working days’ notice to avoid paying again, or provide details to the DVSA under the same details as the email ‘Unavoidable short notice cancellation’ if it is shorter notice.

Learner drivers can change the time and date of their driving test up to six times, as long as they give the correct notice period.

If you do not give enough warning to the DVSA, you’ll need to pay again and rebook from the start of the process.

Under certain circumstances the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) can cancel your driving test.

Reasons for a DVSA driving test cancellation include:

• Poor weather which results in the test being cancelled due to concerns for safety
• Mechanical issues with the vehicle that make its impossible for the test to proceed
• DVSA staffing problems caused by illness or industrial action

Severe conditions such as snow, ice, fog, or flooding can affect whether tests go ahead – especially during the winter months.

If bad weather is expected near the time of your test, it is recommended that you contact your test centre the night before, and on the morning of your appointment. The test centre will be able to confirm whether your test is still scheduled or has been cancelled due to the conditions.

If you’ve been taking lessons, passed your driving theory test, you will be looking to book the final part – your driving test!

Here is the step-by-step guide to getting it booked, and all the relevant information you’ll need.

• Ensure you have a valid UK provisional driving licence. 
• Pass your theory test before booking the practical.
• Go to gov.uk/book-driving-test, log in and book.
• You’ll need to have your provisional licence number, debit/credit card and your instructors personal reference number.
• Select car, motorcycle, or another vehicle category.
• Enter your postcode to find nearby test centres.
• Choose a suitable slot from the available options within the next 24 weeks.
• Pay £62 for a weekday test (£75 for evenings/weekends).
• You’ll then receive an email confirmation with your test details.

Learners with any issues booking a test should contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

READ MORE: How to pass your driving test

To book a driving test in the UK, you need your provisional UK driving licence number, your theory test pass certificate number, and a valid debit or credit card for payment.

You may also need your driving instructor’s reference number if you want them to attend the test.

• How much does a provisional licence cost?
• Lost driving licence – how to get a replacement
• Are old paper driving licences still valid?