1. What Is DVSA Website Error 15?

1.1 Typical wording of the Error 15 message

When you try to book, change or cancel a driving test on GOV.UK you may suddenly see:
“Error 15 – Access denied: this request was blocked by the security rules.”
Sometimes it’s shortened to “Error 15: Request has been blocked” or appears in plain text on a white page.

1.2 Why the DVSA site triggers Error 15 (security filters & session timeouts)

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) outsources website security to a cloud firewall that blocks traffic it thinks is risky. You’ll hit Error 15 if:
• Your session token (_dvsatoken) expires after ~15 minutes of inactivity.
• Your IP address changes mid-session (common on mobile data or a VPN).
• You refresh too quickly, triggering automatic rate-limit rules that mistake you for a bot.

2. Quick Fixes You Should Try First

2.1 Refreshing the page vs starting a new session

A simple F5 or ⌘R sometimes works, but if the token has expired you must close the tab, open a fresh GOV.UK window and log in again from the start page rather than a bookmarked URL.

2.2 Clearing cookies, cache and the “_dvsatoken” session cookie

1. Go to your browser’s settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data.
2. Select “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files.”
3. Search for dvsa or driving-test and delete only those if you don’t want to wipe everything.
   This forces the system to issue a new session token and often removes Error 15 instantly.

2.3 Switching browsers or using Incognito mode

If Chrome throws the error, try Edge, Firefox or a private/incognito window. A clean profile has no conflicting extensions or stale cookies and can let you complete a dvsa change driving test in minutes.

3. Device-Specific Solutions

3.1 Desktop fixes for Windows, macOS and Linux users

• Disable aggressive ad-blockers or script-blockers for *.apply-driving-test.service.gov.uk.
• On corporate devices, temporarily disconnect from VPN/Proxy in Windows Settings → Network → VPN.
• Flush DNS (ipconfig /flushdns) if the site won’t reload after clearing cookies.

3.2 Mobile fixes for iOS and Android when using Safari or Chrome

• Toggle Airplane mode to obtain a fresh IP if you’re on 4G/5G.
• In Safari: Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data → Clear.
• Chrome Mobile: ⋮ → History → Clear Browsing Data → Cookies, Images, Cached files → Clear.

3.3 Accessibility considerations for screen-reader users

If you rely on JAWS, NVDA or VoiceOver, Error 15 may not be announced. Turn on “Speak page title on load” so you hear the error immediately, then restart the booking flow from the GOV.UK homepage.

4. Network and Security Settings That Cause Error 15

4.1 VPNs, corporate firewalls and shared public Wi-Fi

Private networks often route dozens of users through one exit IP, which triggers DVSA’s bot filter. Disconnect from the VPN or switch to a personal hotspot to bypass the block.

4.2 IP blocking and rate-limit rules on the DVSA booking platform

The cloud firewall limits each IP to roughly 20 requests per minute. Hitting back/refresh repeatedly while hunting for an earlier slot or find driving test cancellations can exceed that quota and produce Error 15.

4.3 How to whitelist the DVSA domain or temporarily disable a VPN

If you need the VPN on, ask IT to add *.service.gov.uk to the split-tunnel whitelist. For consumer VPN apps, pause the connection just while you complete the transaction.

5. Check Whether the DVSA Booking Service Is Down

5.1 Using the official DVSA service-status page or Twitter updates

DVSA posts major outages on:
• gov.uk/driving-test-status
• Twitter @DVSA_HelpMe (look for “service currently unavailable” tweets)

5.2 Comparing with third-party outage trackers

Sites like Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow show crowd-sourced spikes. If hundreds of users report issues, wait—Error 15 might be widespread and not on your side.

6. Alternative Ways to Book, Change or Cancel Your Driving Test While Error 15 Persists

6.1 Phone booking line and DVSA customer service opening hours

Call 0300 200 1122 (Mon-Fri 8 am-4 pm). Have your provisional licence number ready. Lines are quietest around 9:30 am.

6.2 Workarounds for change driving test requests via GOV.UK

You can still access the change practical test form through the main “change driving test” hub on GOV.UK if only the booking sub-domain is down. Use a new browser session and avoid copy-pasted deep links.

6.3 Using a driving test cancellation checker safely

Third-party checkers monitor slots for you, but choose one that uses official APIs and complies with DVSA’s fair-use policy to avoid your account being flagged.

7. After You Fix Error 15: Rebooking or Changing Your Practical Test

7.1 Step-by-step to change practical test without triggering the error again

1. Log in with licence number and booking reference.
2. Choose “change” once—don’t open multiple tabs.
3. Select a date/time, click “continue” and wait; do not refresh.
4. Confirm details and download the new booking confirmation.

7.2 Common pitfalls: multiple refreshes, back-button loops and timeout

• Avoid the browser back button; use GOV.UK’s on-page “Back”.
• Complete each page within 10 minutes to prevent token expiry.
• Do not leave the slot-selection page open while you compare diaries.

8. When To Contact DVSA or DVLA Support

8.1 Evidence to gather before calling (screenshots, booking reference)

Take a screenshot showing the full Error 15 URL and timestamp. Note your licence number, current test date and any payment transaction IDs—support will ask for these.

8.2 Contact numbers, email forms and expected response times in the UK

• Driving test: 0300 200 1122 (local rate).
• Email: customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk (reply in 3–5 working days).
• If you suspect your IP is permanently blocked, DVSA can raise it with their security vendor.

9. Preventing Future DVSA Error 15 Messages

9.1 Best practices for session management on GOV.UK sites

• Finish each booking in one sitting.
• Log out properly rather than just closing the tab.
• Avoid automated page monitors that refresh more than once per minute.

9.2 Keeping your browser and cookies compliant with GOV.UK guidelines

Stay on the latest browser version, enable first-party cookies, and clear site data monthly. This reduces mismatched tokens and helps every dvla change driving test request go through smoothly.

10. FAQ

10.1 Does Error 15 affect theory test bookings too?

Yes. Theory tests run on the same booking platform, so the firewall rules are identical.

10.2 Is Error 15 the same as Error 403 or 503 on GOV.UK?

No. A 403 is a permanent permission denial, 503 means the server is down, whereas Error 15 is a temporary security block you can usually clear yourself.

10.3 Can a proxy address lead to test-booking bans?

Using shared or residential proxies can trigger rate-limits and, in extreme cases, get the IP black-listed for 24 hours—but it won’t ban your personal driving-test account.