1. Understanding DVSA Rules on Changing a Driving Test Appointment

1.1 The 3-working-day notice period explained

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) lets you move a practical test booking free of charge provided you give at least three clear working days’ notice.
• “Working days” exclude Sundays and public holidays.
• Example: A Friday test must be changed by 23:59 on the previous Monday to avoid penalties.
Failing to meet this window means you forfeit the original fee and must pay for a new slot—essentially doubling the cost of your test.

1.2 Difference between changing and cancelling

Changing: You pick a new date/time at the same moment you release the old slot.
Cancelling: You simply give up the slot. A refund is only automatic when you cancel with enough notice.
Tip: If you’re unsure of your availability, use “change” rather than “cancel” so you don’t have to wait for the refund to hit your account before re-booking.

2. Standard Fees You Risk Losing

2.1 Current weekday vs evening/weekend test fees for cars

• Car (category B) weekday: £62
• Car evening/weekend/bank holiday: £75
Miss the notice window and you’ll pay that figure again—effectively turning a £62 test into a £124 outlay.

2.2 Motorcycle, lorry, bus and other category fees

• Motorcycle module 1: £15.50
• Motorcycle module 2 weekday: £75; evening/weekend: £88.50
• Lorry (categories C, CE) single module: £115 weekday; £141 weekend
• Bus (category D) single module: £115 weekday; £141 weekend
• ADI part 2: £111; part 3: £111
Each category follows the same 3-day rule. Break it and you lose the entire fee, whatever the amount.

3. Situations Where Changing Your Driving Test Is Free

3.1 Giving adequate notice

As mentioned, any change made ≥3 working days in advance costs nothing.

3.2 Medical or bereavement exemptions with evidence

If you must cancel or move a test inside the 3-day window due to:
• Serious illness or injury (yours or a close relative’s)
• Bereavement of a close family member
• Sudden onset pregnancy complications
the DVSA will refund or transfer your fee when you supply evidence such as a doctor’s note, hospital letter or death certificate.

3.3 DVSA service disruptions (e.g., examiner illness, extreme weather)

When the DVSA cancels a test—think snowstorms, strike action, examiner sickness—it rebooks you for free or refunds you in full. You may also claim out-of-pocket expenses (travel, loss of earnings) if given less than 3 working days’ notice.

4. How to Change Your Driving Test Date Step by Step

4.1 Online DVSA service walkthrough

1. Visit gov.uk/change-driving-test.
2. Enter your driving licence number and booking reference.
3. View available dates; use filters for earlier or later times.
4. Select a slot and confirm. You’ll receive a new email immediately.
   This is the quickest way and costs £0 provided you satisfy the notice rule.

4.2 Phone and textphone alternatives

• Telephone: 0300 200 1122 (Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Textphone: 0300 200 1166 (for users with hearing difficulties).
Call volumes are high, so the online service is usually faster.

4.3 What information you’ll need (licence number, booking reference)

Have these to hand:
• UK driving licence number (16 characters)
• Theory test pass certificate number (if asked)
• Booking reference from your confirmation email
Without these, the DVSA agent—or the website—can’t access your record.

5. Costs for Rescheduling Within 3 Working Days

5.1 Forfeiting the original fee and paying again

Miss the window and the DVSA system treats the change as a brand-new booking. You pay the full price up-front, and the original fee is not refunded. This applies equally to car, motorcycle, lorry, bus, and Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) tests.

5.2 Impact on theory-test expiry dates

Your practical test must be passed within two years of your theory pass date. If you lose a slot late in that window, you may need to retake (and repay for) the theory test as well—another £23. Plan your changes early to avoid a domino effect of extra costs.

6. Hidden Costs and Third-Party Services

6.1 Driving test cancellation checker apps — typical charges

“Find driving test cancellations” apps monitor the DVSA system and alert you to earlier slots. Costs range from:
• One-off £8–£20 fee; or
• Subscription £10–£18 per month.
While convenient, they cannot override the three-day rule or guarantee availability. Always use reputable providers and never share your full driving-licence details.

6.2 Premium phone lines and private booking sites to avoid

Some unofficial websites appear higher on Google ads and charge a “service fee” (£30–£40) on top of the DVSA price. They may also use premium-rate 0871 or 090 numbers. The DVSA never uses premium lines—stick to gov.uk or the 0300 numbers.

7. Ways to Avoid Paying Extra

7.1 Setting calendar reminders and alerts

Add your test date to your smartphone with two alarms:
• One month before—decide if you’re likely to be ready.
• Four days before—last-call to change free of charge.

7.2 Using free DVSA change tools efficiently

Slots are released 6 a.m.–midnight. Log in during off-peak hours (e.g., early morning) for the best chance of nearby dates without paying a third-party.

7.3 Booking off-peak slots to reduce repeat fees

Evening and weekend tests cost more. If funds are tight, book a weekday morning; if you later need to rearrange inside the penalty window, you’ll lose £62 instead of £75.

8. What Happens If the DVSA Changes or Cancels Your Test

8.1 Compensation and out-of-pocket expense claims

If the DVSA cancels with less than 3 working days’ notice and it’s not your fault, you can claim:
• Travel costs (fuel, public transport)
• Loss of earnings (up to £57)
• One night’s accommodation if necessary
Use form CT/claims within 14 days and provide receipts.

8.2 How rebooking works and who pays

The DVSA will email a new date. If unsuitable, you can change it online for free—even inside the usual 3-day window—because the original disruption was on their side.

9. Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Test Change Costs

9.1 Can I swap tests with a friend or instructor?

No. Bookings are tied to your driving-licence number. You’d have to cancel yours and hope they grab the slot, risking both fees.

9.2 Does the fee differ in Northern Ireland?

Yes. Northern Ireland uses the DVA, not the DVSA. Car test fees are £45.50 weekday and £62.50 Saturday. The three-day notice rule still applies.

9.3 Will I be charged twice if I move the test more than once?

As long as each change is outside the 3-day window, you won’t pay again. Inside the window, every change costs the full fee.

10. FAQ

10.1 How many times can I change my practical test?

Unlimited, provided each alteration is made ≥3 working days in advance.

10.2 Can I get a refund if I’m ill on the test day?

Only with medical evidence such as a doctor’s letter dated the day of illness or earlier.

10.3 Do theory test reschedules follow the same fee rules?

Yes—three working days’ notice or you lose the £23 fee.

10.4 Are cancellation checker apps approved by the DVSA?

No. They scrape publicly available slots. Use them at your own discretion.

10.5 What happens if my theory certificate expires before the new date?

Your practical booking becomes invalid, and you must pass the theory again before rebooking.

Key Takeaways on Driving Test Change Costs

• Give at least three working days’ notice to move or cancel free of charge.
• Miss the window and expect to repay the full test fee (£62–£141 depending on category).
• Medical, bereavement and DVSA-triggered cancellations are exempt with evidence.
• Avoid third-party premiums by using the official gov.uk service and setting your own alerts.
• Keep an eye on theory-test expiry dates to sidestep hidden retake costs.

Further resources

• Find driving test cancellations