There are lots of reasons why you might need to reschedule a driving test - or even cancel it. Learn how to do both with our guide to making a practical test change. We’ve also included ways to avoid having to change a test date & driving prep tips.

 

In short: 

To Reschedule your driving test date: Go to https://www.gov.uk/change-driving-test

You’ll need your UK driving licence number, test reference number (from your confirmation email) or your theory test certificate number.

To Cancel your test date: Go to https://www.gov.uk/cancel-driving-test

Log in using your driving licence and test reference number.

 

Why might you need to cancel or change your driving test date?

There are many reasons why you might want - or need - to cancel or change your driving test.

You - or your instructor - may feel that you need more practice, particularly if you’ve recently failed a mock test.

You may have work or education commitments, or the dates may clash with family holiday plans.

Other possible issues include the driving instructor being unavailable on the test date, and your car suffering a breakdown or failing its MOT.

At the more serious end you may have fallen ill recently and will be too poorly to do the test. Or you may have faced a family emergency or bereavement.

There’s also an outside chance that severe weather will make it too dangerous to carry out the exam.

These are some of the most common reasons you might want to make a driving test booking change.

 

Photo of a parked car with a Learner Plate on the back

 

How to change your driving test: In-depth

In order to change a practical driving test date, follow these steps:

1. Go to: Change your driving test

2. Log in using:

  • Your UK driving licence number   
  • Your test reference number (from your confirmation email) or your theory test certificate number

3. Select a new date and location that suits you.

Note: You can change your test up to 6 times. After that, you'll need to cancel and rebook.

 

How to cancel your driving test: In-depth

Follow these steps if you need to cancel your driving test.

  1. Go to: Cancel your driving test
  2. Log in using your driving licence and test reference number.
  3. Confirm the cancellation.

 

Refund Policy button on keyboard

 

What’s the DVSA’s refund policy?

To get a full refund on your fee, you must cancel at least 10 full working days before your test.

 

What if it's a special case? (illness, bereavement, etc.)

You may need to cancel or change your test at short notice (shorter than 10 days) due to:

  • Illness
  • Injury
  • Bereavement
  • Other emergencies

 

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

You may still be eligible for a refund if you cancel due to one of the above reasons. Be sure to email the DVSA as soon as possible, at: customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk.

Use the subject line: "Unavoidable short notice cancellation" - or similar - and attach suitable evidence (e.g. doctor’s note). Refunds are often given for genuinely serious cases.

 

Driver on a lesson with instructor holding clipboard

 

How to avoid needing to cancel or reschedule a driving test

To avoid needing to reschedule your driving test in the UK, you can take these practical steps to stay prepared, organised, and ready:

 

1. Be fully prepared

  • Take a mock test with your instructor to assess your level of readiness.
  • Focus on consistently driving safely and confidently in various conditions (e.g. busy roads, roundabouts, reversing manoeuvres).
  • Review "Show Me, Tell Me" questions and the Highway Code.

 

2. Check for conflicts

  • Make sure your test date doesn’t clash with:
    • Work
    • School
    • Holidays
    • Important family events

 

3. Ensure your vehicle is ready

  • Use a car that:
    • Meets DVSA requirements
    • Is insured and taxed
    • Has a valid MOT
    • Is fully functional (no warning lights, good tyres, etc.)
  • Consider booking a pre-test vehicle check or MOT, if needed.

 

4. Confirm instructor & vehicle availability

  • Double-check your instructor is free on test day.
  • Ensure they have no double bookings or holidays that week. Issues are more likely to arise around major holiday periods like Christmas and New Year, Easter, and summer.

 

5. Keep documents safe and valid

  • Bring:
    • Your UK provisional driving licence
    • Your theory test pass certificate

  • Make sure your theory test is still valid (note that passed theory tests expire after 2 years).

 

6. Arrive on time and well-rested

  • Know the test centre location and consider doing a “dry run” if needed.
  • Aim to arrive 15 minutes early.
  • Sleep well the night before to stay sharp. Ensure you’re well hydrated and avoid eating anything that might make you feel sluggish (i.e. a heavy meal/breakfast).

 

Optional: stay informed

  • Sign up for DVSA test reminders or alerts (email or SMS) in case of changes.
  • Monitor for weather alerts or DVSA cancellations (e.g., due to snow, fog, strikes).

Following the above tips should help you avoid needing to change your driving test date.