Rescheduling a driving test is straightforward — and choosing to do so when you're genuinely not ready is the right decision, not a failure. A failed test costs you money, time, and often confidence. Rescheduling costs nothing if you give enough notice.

The Key Rule: 10 Full Working Days' Notice

You must give at least 10 full working days' notice to reschedule without losing your fee. Monday to Saturday count as working days — Sundays and bank holidays do not.

For example, if your test is on a Wednesday, count back 10 working days (skipping any Sundays or bank holidays) to find your last day to reschedule for free. Miss that deadline and you'll need to pay the full test fee again when you rebook.

You Must Do It Yourself

Only you can change your test. Your driving instructor is not permitted to reschedule, swap, or cancel a car driving test on your behalf — even if you ask them to. The DVSA requires the change to come from you directly.

You Only Get Two Changes

For a car driving test you're allowed to change your appointment a maximum of two times. If you need a third change, you'll have to cancel and rebook — paying the full fee again.

Option 1 — Moving to a Different Date

If you just need a new date (or a different test centre), you have two ways to do it.

Online (quickest): Go to gov.uk/change-driving-test — available 24/7, usually takes a couple of minutes.

By phone: Call 0300 200 1122, Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm. Lines are busiest on Monday mornings.

ⓘ What you'll need before you call

  • Your driving licence number — the long number on the front of your photocard
  • Your theory test pass certificate number — on the certificate you got when you passed
  • Your test booking reference — in the confirmation email when you booked
  • Last four digits of the card used to book — the DVSA use this to verify it's really you
  • Your current test date, time and test centre — so they can find your booking quickly
  • A couple of preferred new dates or centres — availability varies, so have options ready

What happens on the call

  1. The adviser asks for your licence number and the last four digits of your booking card to confirm your identity
  2. They locate your booking using your current test details
  3. They offer you available slots based on your preferences — tell them upfront if you want to change test centre
  4. Once you agree on a new slot, they confirm the change and you're done

The whole call typically takes around 5–10 minutes.

Option 2 — Swapping Tests With Another Learner

It's possible to swap your test slot directly with another learner — for example, if you know someone who has a date that suits you better and vice versa. This must be done by phone; you cannot swap online.

⚠ What you'll need before you call (swap)

  • Everything listed above for a standard reschedule
  • The other learner's phone number — the DVSA will call them during the process to confirm the swap and verify their details independently

What happens on the call (swap)

  1. Call 0300 200 1122 and tell the adviser you want to swap tests with another learner
  2. The adviser verifies your identity (licence number + last four digits of booking card)
  3. You give them the other learner's phone number
  4. The DVSA calls the other learner to confirm they agree to the swap and to verify their details
  5. Once both parties are confirmed, the swap is completed and you each receive a new confirmation

Important: make sure the other learner knows you're calling and is available to take the DVSA's call — the swap can't be completed if they don't answer.

Nerves vs. Genuine Unreadiness

Pre-test nerves are completely normal — almost every learner feels underprepared in the days before their test, even those who pass comfortably. Ask your instructor for an honest assessment. Signs that rescheduling might genuinely be the right call:

  • You're still making serious faults consistently in lessons
  • Your instructor hasn't confirmed you're test-ready
  • You haven't completed a mock test, or you failed one recently by a significant margin
  • You haven't covered key elements — independent driving, reversing manoeuvres

If your instructor is confident and your concern is purely nerves, it's usually better to sit the test. Waiting for nerves to disappear entirely isn't realistic.

Keep Your Theory Certificate in Mind

Your practical test must be taken within two years of passing your theory test. If you're approaching that window, factor it in — pushing your test too far forward could mean retaking the theory.

Talk to your instructor first. They know your driving better than anyone and can give you an honest view on whether you're ready — but remember, only you can make the change on gov.uk or by calling the DVSA directly.