How To Swap a Driving Test

As of May 12, 2026, the way driving tests can be swapped is transforming. Historically, driving instructors have been able to, upon the agreement of both learners, swap tests over via the DVSA. This has been hugely beneficial as it allows pupils who are test-ready to complete their tests sooner, whilst those who need a little more time can gain more valuable experience without the need to wait many months for the next available tests. Instructors could log in to an online portal to complete the swaps within minutes. When the changes are implemented, this will no longer be the case.

That being said, the upcoming changes do not mean learners cannot swap their tests; it will just have to be done differently.

You will still be able to swap your test with another learner; however, under the new rules you can only make 2 changes to a driving test booking, and swapping your test counts towards those 2 changes.

The other learner and yourself must both agree to swap your tests for the exact date, time, and location the other person has booked. You cannot adjust any of these elements. It is against the law for any other person or website to swap driving tests on someone else's behalf.

Can I swap My Driving Test?

In order to be eligible to swap your test, you must first ensure all the following criteria apply:

• You must both have at least 1 of your 2 available changes to use. If either person has used both changes, you cannot swap.

• When requesting the swap, there must be at least 10 working days until the earliest of the 2 tests. Monday to Saturday counts as working days, whilst Sundays and bank holidays do not.

• Currently, you can swap with another learner whose test is booked at any driving test centre. However, this option is only available until June 9, 2026, after which the swap can only take place at the same test centre, one of the three nearest test centres, or the test centre you first booked at.

• Weekday tests can only swap with another weekday test, because of the difference in cost. Weekday tests are charged at £62, whilst weekend tests are charged at £75.

• Tests which are given extra time because of disabilities or similar can only swap with other tests which also have a time extension.

• Extended driving tests can only be swapped with another extended driving test, and then only weekday for weekday and weekend for weekend.

Before making any adjustments to your driving test, always speak to your instructor first. They may have personal or work-related commitments, such as another driving test.

You can only swap your driving test by telephone. There is no online service that allows you to do so.

Yourself and the person you are swapping with must both be available at the same time, although there is no requirement for you to be together, as the DVSA will call the other person whilst completing the swap.

What You'll Need to Swap a Test

You'll be unable to complete the swap unless you have the following information available at the time you call:

• Your own driving license number.

• Your own driving test booking reference number.

• The details of the payment card you used to book your test.

• Details of any driving tests you've taken before.

• The booking reference number for the driving test of the person you are swapping with.

A word of warning: the only information you need to provide to the person you are swapping with is your driving test booking reference number. Do not provide any personal data, including your driver's license number, date of birth, or similar. If anyone contacts you requesting these details, be aware that it may be a scam. Furthermore, it does not cost any money to swap your driving test, so never pay anyone to swap your driving test.

How To Swap a Driving Test

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to swap your test:

1. Call the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 (select option 1, then follow the prompts). They are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

2. The DVSA will complete security checks with the person who calls, and you must agree to swap your test.

3. You then provide the other person's test booking reference number. You will not need any further details about the other person.

4. You will then be put on hold whilst the DVSA calls the other candidate. They can and will only use the number listed on their booking. They cannot accept any other telephone numbers.

5. Security checks will be completed with the other learner, who also needs to confirm they are happy to swap their test.

6. You will then be informed if the swap has been successfully completed or not.

Important Things to Remember

These changes are going to take a little while for everyone to get used to, including learners, driving instructors, and the staff at the DVSA. With the new rules upon us, it is more important than ever to ensure that you are ready for your driving test when it comes around. There will never be a guarantee that another pupil will be able and willing to swap their driving test, so be sure to discuss how best to manage your driving test with your instructor.

As we know more about all the changes that are taking place, we will keep you all updated. But, in the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us HERE.

Kind regards

Adrian & the Day Tripper Team