can-you-swap-a-driving-test

Can You Swap A Driving Test? DVSA Rules Explained

You may be able to swap your car driving test with another learner driver if you both already have a test booked and meet the DVSA's eligibility requirements.

Last Reviewed: 7 September 2026

A driving test swap is different from changing your driving test appointment. You are not searching for a new test date. Instead, you and another learner driver exchange your existing driving test appointments.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced rules explaining who can swap a driving test and how the process works.

What Is A Driving Test Swap?

A driving test swap allows two learner drivers to exchange their existing car driving test appointments.

For example, if you have a driving test booked on one date and another learner has a test booked on a different date, you may be able to exchange your appointments if you both want each other's exact test slot.

You must both already have a driving test booked.

Swapping a driving test counts as one of the two changes you are allowed to make to your driving test booking.

Who Can Swap A Driving Test?

You can only swap your own car driving test with another learner driver.

Both learners must agree to exchange their exact:

You cannot change, swap or cancel a driving test on behalf of another learner driver.

Do You Have Any Driving Test Changes Left?

Both learner drivers must have at least one of their two allowed booking changes remaining.

If either learner has already used both of their allowed changes, the DVSA will not allow the driving test swap to take place.

The 10 Full Working Day Rule

The driving test swap must be requested at least 10 full working days before the earliest of the two driving tests.

For this rule:

If either driving test is too close, the swap cannot go ahead.

Which Driving Test Centres Can You Swap Between?

You can only swap with another learner driver if the DVSA's location rules are met.

The other learner's test must be booked at:

The location rule must be met for both learner drivers before the DVSA can complete the swap.

Do Both Driving Tests Need To Be The Same Type?

Yes. You can only swap with another learner who has the same type of driving test booking.

For example:

Check Your Driving Instructor Is Available

Before agreeing to swap a driving test, both learner drivers should check with their driving instructors.

Your instructor should confirm that:

It is important not to swap your driving test simply to get an earlier appointment if you are not ready to take the test.

How Do You Swap A Driving Test?

According to DVSA, a driving test can only be swapped by phone.

You cannot arrange a driving test swap:

Both learner drivers must be available at the same time for the DVSA to complete the swap.

You do not need to be in the same location because DVSA will contact the other learner driver directly.

What Do You Need Before Calling DVSA?

Before requesting a driving test swap, make sure you have the required information available.

The learner driver who contacts DVSA will also need the other learner's driving test booking reference number.

DVSA states that you should never share personal information such as your driving licence number, address, phone number, email address or payment card details with another learner driver.

Check Your Contact Details Before You Call

Both learner drivers should check that the correct telephone number and email address are recorded on their driving test bookings.

DVSA will use the contact details held on the booking to contact the other learner driver.

Updating your contact details does not use one of your allowed driving test changes.

How Does The DVSA Driving Test Swap Call Work?

The process involves both learner drivers confirming that they agree to the swap.

To request a driving test swap, contact DVSA customer services by telephone on 0300 200 1122. Select option 2 and follow the prompts.

DVSA customer services are available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm.

DVSA will not use a telephone number provided by the other learner driver. It will only call the number recorded on the booking.

When Might A Driving Test Swap Be Refused?

DVSA may not complete the swap if either learner:

The swap may also be unsuccessful if the other learner driver does not answer the DVSA's call or their telephone number is incorrect on the booking system.

If the swap cannot be completed, both driving test appointments remain unchanged.

What Happens After You Swap A Driving Test?

Once the DVSA has successfully completed the swap, you will take over the other learner driver's original driving test appointment.

You will receive their:

The other learner driver will receive your original appointment.

Your booking reference number, payment details and any special requirements recorded on your booking will remain with you.

DVSA does not send an email confirmation immediately after the swap, so it is important to make a note of your new driving test details before ending the call.

Can You Swap Your Driving Test? The Key Things To Remember

You may be able to swap your driving test with another learner driver, but you must both meet the DVSA's rules.

Before arranging a swap, make sure:

Read The Official DVSA Guidance

For the latest rules and official guidance about swapping a driving test with another learner driver, visit the official DVSA guidance on GOV.UK.


Related Learner Driver Guides

Explore Our Complete Learner Driver Guides

Explore our complete guides covering every stage of learning to drive, from your first driving lesson and theory test to preparing for your practical driving test, understanding the Highway Code, mastering driving manoeuvres and keeping up to date with the latest DVSA news and updates related to driving.


If you're ready to get started, book your driving lessons online today and take the first step towards becoming a safe, confident and independent driver.

Written by A Class Learners
Providing professional driving lessons across London and Essex, alongside expert learner driver advice and the latest DVSA news and updates.

⇧ Back to top ⇧