2025 DVSA deadline for changing and cancelling car driving tests aims to reduce driving test waiting times
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is updating rules around driving test changes and cancellations to help reduce long waiting times and the number of driving test appointments that are wasted due to candidates not turning up for their tests.
It’s essential to fully understand these changes to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure you make the most of your driving test appointments.
This article explains everything you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they might affect you.
What is a driving test change or cancellation?
A driving test change or cancellation is when you decide to move your test to a different date or completely cancel it.
This might happen if you don't feel ready, if your schedule changes, or for other personal reasons.
Need to change your driving test? Find out how you can change your DVSA driving test booking
New DVSA car driving test change and cancel notice period from 8 April 2025
The DVSA has announced major changes regarding rescheduling and cancelling car driving tests.
Starting 8 April 2025, learner drivers must provide 10 full working days' notice if they want to change or cancel their driving test without losing the test fee.
Before this change, the required notice period was only 3 full working days. This means you'll now need to plan ahead more carefully to avoid additional costs.
Which days count as working days?
When planning to change or cancel your driving test, it’s helpful to remember that working days include Monday to Saturday.
Sundays and public holidays don't count as working days, so always keep this in mind to make sure you give enough notice.
Check the last date to change or cancel your car driving test
Does this rule apply to all DVSA driving tests and theory tests?
No, this new DVSA rule only applies to car driving tests. There are no changes to other types of tests.
For the following DVSA tests, you still only need to provide 3 full working days' notice to avoid losing your test fee:
- All theory tests
- Motorcycle driving tests
- Lorry and bus driving tests
- Driving instructor and other specialist vehicle driving tests
Are short notice driving test changes and cancellations allowed?
Yes, you can still cancel or reschedule within 10 working days of your driving test, but you will lose your test fee unless you have special circumstances, including:
- Illness or injury that stops you from attending the test
- A bereavement
- Having to take an important exam at school or college
- Your driving licence being stolen
In the above cases, you’ll need to apply for a refund through the DVSA if you change or cancel your test within 10 working days.
What happens if the DVSA cancels your driving test?
If the DVSA cancels your car driving test within 10 working days of your test, they will continue reimbursing any expenses you may have incurred.
The DVSA is currently reviewing how it manages this process.
Why are the DVSA updating their driving test change and cancellation policy?
The DVSA is making these changes because too many driving test appointments are being wasted.
In 2024 alone, around 60,000 driving test appointments were missed - this number equals the yearly workload of 45 full-time driving examiners.
Many learners who don't feel ready for their tests wait until the last minute to cancel or reschedule, making it hard for other learners who are prepared to use those slots effectively.
By requiring a longer notice period, the DVSA hopes to improve the availability of test appointments for learners who are fully prepared. This should reduce driving test waiting times.
What are driving test waiting times?
The driving test waiting time is the period between booking your driving test and the date you actually take the test.
Longer waiting times mean you may have to wait months to get a suitable driving test appointment.
Check out the latest driving test waiting times at every DVSA driving test centre
Deadlines to change or cancel your car driving test
Make sure to check your DVSA driving test booking details, as your booking information will clearly show the exact deadline to change or cancel your test.
Check the last date to change or cancel your car driving test
How to find driving test cancellations using Driving Test Cancellations 4 All
Are you ready to pass your driving test and need to find driving test cancellations? Our driving test cancellation checker makes it easy to find an earlier driving test!
We’ll notify you as soon as we find new driving test cancellation slots that match your test centre and availability settings, so you can change your test to a date that fits your schedule.
Find driving test cancellations now