Having to cancel a test is often disappointing and frustrating, but it’s perhaps necessary if you’re no longer able to sit the scheduled assessment.
Navigating your test cancellation online is crucial for ensuring the process is smooth and hassle-free.
This article will help you understand how to cancel your driving test and what to do if you want to change the date of your appointment.
What You Will Need
If you have a test to cancel, you should already have the required details to cancel/change your appointment.
You will need the following to cancel your driving test:
- UK driving licence number
- Driving test reference number or theory test pass certificate number
- Your date of birth
The theory test certificate number is from the letter you received upon passing your theory test. If you have lost your letter, contact the DVSA to request a letter so you can cancel/change your driving test.
Cancelling Your Appointment Online
Firstly, visit gov.uk to attain the service of cancelling your appointment online. This service is available from 06:00-23:40.
You can cancel your appointment up to 3 working days before your test date and gain a full refund, with Monday to Saturday counting as working days. Please be aware that Sundays and public holidays are not regarded as working days.
If your cancellation is even shorter notice than 3 full working days, you’re entitled to a refund if you have the following:
- An illness or injury that means you cannot take your test
- Suffered a bereavement
- An exam at a school or college
- Your driving licence stolen
You will need to email the DVSA with proof of any of the above, with the subject line ‘Unavoidable short notice cancellation’.
Changing Your Test Date Online
Much like the cancellation of your driving test, the service of changing the test of your driving test is available from 06:00-23:40.
Again, the protocol of changing your test online is the same as cancelling, with a full refund being available up to 3 working days and the correct evidence being provided if you have changed your appointment date shorter than 3 days’ notice.
You can change the date of your appointment up to 6 times. If you have changed your appointment more than 6 times, you will have to cancel your test then book a new test.
To change the date of your driving test,
visit gov.uk as soon as possible.
Find Driving Test Cancellations
You can easily get ahead of the curve when it comes to finding test cancelations for the booking or rebooking of your practical driving test.
First of all, an option could be just manually checking the dates that best suit your availability. Cancellations happen regularly, so a manual check up on what dates are available will change on the daily.
However, there are platforms to make this process far easier.
These platforms/applications do the dirty work for you, notifying you when earlier dates have popped up through test cancellations from other people that have had test booked.
These platforms include, but are not limited to:
If you’re in no rush regarding a new test date, just search manually and give yourself a day that suits you best.
Theory Test Cancellation
The process of cancelling and/or changing your theory test appointment is more or less the same than a practical test.
Want to cancel your theory test?
Visit gov.uk online to gain a better understanding and begin to change your date.
Final Thoughts
Cancelling or rescheduling your driving or theory test can be a stressful experience, especially if done at short notice.
However, by following the right steps and using the online services provided by the DVSA, the process can be straightforward and hassle-free.
Whether you're cancelling due to unforeseen circumstances or simply changing your test date, it's crucial to have the required details and be mindful of the deadlines.
Additionally, using platforms that alert you to test cancellations can help you secure an earlier slot if needed.
Ultimately, preparation and organization are key to ensuring you navigate this process smoothly, helping you stay on track towards achieving your driving goals.
Driving Test FAQs
Can I change my driving test to another location?
Yes. You can use the official DVSA Change your driving test appointment service to move your test to a different centre, change the date, or search for an earlier slot. For car tests, you must give at least 10 full working days’ notice to avoid losing your fee. You can make up to six changes before needing to cancel and rebook.
What is the best way to get a driving test cancellation?
The safest way is through the official DVSA booking service, which allows you to look for earlier dates. New test slots are typically released on Monday mornings around 6 am, but cancellations can appear at any time during the day. Regularly checking the system and expanding your search to nearby centres gives you the best chance. Be cautious of third-party cancellation apps, as they are not approved by DVSA.
Can I drive home from a driving test?
If you pass, you can drive straight away using your pass certificate, provided you are properly insured. If you fail, you remain a learner driver and can only drive with L-plates, valid learner insurance, and a qualified supervisor.
Can driving instructors book tests quicker?
No, driving instructors do not have any priority access or faster routes, even if they can book tests for their pupils. Recent DVSA rules prevent instructors from holding test slots for non-pupils or creating placeholder bookings, so learners have the same access as instructors when searching for dates.
What is the best time to look for driving test cancellations?
The most effective time is early Monday morning from 6 am, when new test slots are released for the next 24 weeks. However, cancellations from other learners can appear at any time, so it’s worth checking regularly throughout the day. Keeping your search flexible across different test centres also increases your chances.
