How do I get a driving test cancellation?

What a driving test cancellation is

A cancellation appointment is a test slot that was booked by someone else and has now become free. This happens when another learner moves or cancels their test. The free slot goes back into the booking system straight away, so anyone looking at that moment can take it.

These slots can appear at any time of the day or week. There is no official waiting list or cancellation list to join. You have to look for them yourself.

Brand new test dates work differently. They are added 24 weeks in advance and released every Monday at 6am.

Who can use them

Anyone booking a test, or anyone who already has a test and wants an earlier date. You must book and change your test yourself. Your driving instructor is not allowed to do it for you, and it is against the law to book a car driving test for someone else.

How to look for an earlier test

1. Have your UK driving licence number ready, plus your driving test booking reference or your theory test pass certificate number.
2. Go to the GOV.UK service to change your driving test. If you have not booked yet, use the booking service.
3. Look at the dates on offer at your test centre, or choose a different test centre.
4. If you see an earlier date that suits you, select it and confirm.
5. If nothing suits you, check again later. New slots can turn up at any time.

Limits on changes

Working days are Monday to Saturday. Once you have used your changes, you must cancel and book a new test.

Cost when you move your test

A car test costs £62 on a weekday and £75 on an evening, weekend or bank holiday. If you move to a dearer slot, you pay the difference. If you move to a cheaper weekday slot, you get money back.

If you change or cancel with less notice than shown above, you normally have to pay again. You can ask DVSA for a refund if the reason was out of your control, such as illness, a bereavement, a school exam or a stolen licence. Email customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk with evidence.

If DVSA cancels your test

• Bad weather: DVSA books the next free date for you and sends the details within 3 working days. You cannot claim expenses.
• Other short notice cancellations by DVSA, for example if the examiner is ill: you get a new date and can claim out-of-pocket expenses.
• If your test cannot go ahead because of a problem with your car or your own health, you must book and pay again.

If you live in Northern Ireland

Driving tests in Northern Ireland are run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), not DVSA. You book, change or cancel your practical test through the DVA service on nidirect, so the GB rules above do not apply.

Related guides

• How do I book my driving test?
• How do I book my theory test?
• How much does it cost to learn to drive?
• What is CBT for a motorbike or moped?
• What are the rules for learner drivers?

Where this comes from

• Book your driving test (GOV.UK)
• Change your driving test appointment (GOV.UK)
• Cancel your driving test (GOV.UK)
• Driving test: cost (GOV.UK)
• Driving test: cancelled tests and bad weather (GOV.UK)
• A guide to booking your practical driving test (nidirect)