Change your theory test appointment

Use this service to:

  • find an earlier driving theory test
  • move your theory test to a later date
  • change which test centre you take your test at

You must give at least 3 full working days’ notice to change your test or you’ll have to pay again. Monday to Saturday count as working days but Sundays and public holidays do not.

If you change your test at short notice

If you change your test within 3 full working days of the test date, you’ll have to pay again.

Get a refund after you’ve changed your test

You can get a refund if you have:

  • an illness or injury that means you cannot take your test
  • suffered a bereavement
  • to take an exam at a school or college
  • had your driving licence stolen

Email the Driver and Vehicles Standard Agency (DVSA) with the subject title ‘Unavoidable short notice cancellation’.

Attach proof of the reason you’ve had to change your appointment. This can be:

  • a letter from your school or college confirming you have an exam at the same time as your appointment
  • a crime number and contact name of the police officer if you’ve had your driving licence stolen
  • a fit note or medical certificate from a healthcare professional such as your GP

If you were sick for 7 days or fewer, you might have to pay for a private medical certificate.

As well as attaching the proof, you’ll need to include your full name (as it appears on your driving licence), address, postcode and date of birth in your email.

You must also include either:

  • your driving licence number
  • your booking reference number

DVSA customer services
theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

DVSA will tell you when you’ve been refunded the fee.

Change your appointment online

You’ll need your UK driving licence number and your booking reference number. 

Start now

Before you start

You can find your booking reference number on:

  • the email confirmation you received when you booked your theory test

  • the reminder emails you receive

If you cannot find your booking reference number

You can request your booking reference number online. You’ll need:

  • the email address you used to book your theory test

  • your driving licence number

DVSA will send your booking reference number to the email address that you used when you booked your theory test.

It can take up to 10 working days to receive your booking reference number.

Help with your booking

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get help changing your theory test appointment.

To change your theory test appointment by phone or email, you’ll need to give your:

  • full name (as it appears on your driving licence)

  • date of birth

  • address, including your postcode

  • driving licence number

  • booking reference number

DVSA theory test enquiries
theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges

There’s a different service to change your theory test in Northern Ireland.

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. You are currently viewing: Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses