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How to Change Your Theory Test

Theory Test
Last updated: Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
How to Change Your Theory Test

How to change a DVSA theory test booking

Do you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA that you want to change? Changing or cancelling a DVSA theory test date is a straightforward process. This article gives you the steps to follow to reschedule your theory test booking.

Key takeaways

  • Driving theory test appointments can be changed and rescheduled with the DVSA

  • When changing or cancelling your driving theory test booking, you must give the DVSA at least three full working days' notice or you will have to pay for your next theory test. Monday to Saturday count as working days

  • You will need your UK driving licence number and booking reference number when changing your theory test on the DVSA website

Do you need to change your driving theory test appointment?

If you have a theory test date booked with the DVSA, but for whatever reason, you need to reschedule or cancel it, don't worry. The DVSA allows for changes and cancellations of theory test appointments as long as you give them at least three full working days' notice.

This means that if your theory test is on a Friday, you need to notify them no later than Monday of that week. The DVSA count Monday to Saturday as working days, so make sure to keep this in mind when planning any changes.

If you choose to cancel your test and want to book a new one, you will need to pay the booking fee again.

Not yet booked your theory test? Find the current theory test waiting times at every DVSA theory test.

How do I book a driving theory test? If you haven't booked your theory test yet, we can help! We can book your theory test now at any DVSA theory test centre with a Pass Guarantee.

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How to change theory test appointments online

Changing a DVSA theory test date may sound daunting, but fear not! In this section, we'll guide you through the process of changing your theory test online.

  1. Go to the GOV website and tap/click the 'Start now' button
  2. Enter your theory test booking reference number and UK driving licence number. You will find your booking reference number on the email the DVSA sent you when you booked your test
  3. Select a new date and time for your theory test at any DVSA theory test centre. Find your nearest theory test centre and everything you need to know about every DVSA theory test centre
  4. Review the information, making sure it is correct, and then confirm the change
  5. You will receive a confirmation email from the DVSA with the new details of your theory test appointment

If you fail to give a notice of at least three working days, you will be required to pay the full test fee when changing your test date.

How to change theory test dates by phone or email

You can also change theory test dates with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) by phone or email. When contacting the DVSA by phone or email, you will need to provide the following details about yourself:

- Full name as it appears on your driving licence

- Date of birth

- Provisional driving licence number

- Your address

- Test reference number

Changing your theory test by phone

If you prefer to change your theory test over the phone, you can call the DVSA's change service on 0300 200 1122. Their phone lines are open Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The DVSA will assist you throughout the process to ensure a smooth experience. It is important to provide all necessary information accurately to avoid any delays or complications.

Pro-tip: It's a good idea to have all the necessary details ready before contacting DVSA. This will help speed up changing your test date and ensure that you provide accurate information.

Changing your theory test by email

You can email theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk to change your theory test by email. You will receive an email confirmation of your new theory test appointment once processed by the DVSA.

How to change your Northern Ireland theory test

Have you booked a theory test in Northern Ireland? You will need to contact the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to change your theory test in Northern Ireland.

Can you change your theory test date at short notice?

You will have to pay again if you change your test within three working days of your theory test date. However, the DVSA may refund you after you have changed your test in the event of unexpected circumstances, such as illness or a medical emergency.

The DVSA may refund you for the following reasons:

  • Unable to attend due to illness
  • Your driving licence has been stolen
  • Bereavement
  • You have a school or college exam

If you have any other reason, the DVSA may not refund your test fee. However, it's always worth contacting them and explaining your situation.

You can check the DVSA website for the most up-to-date information on how to get a refund after you have changed your test.

Tips for changing your driving theory test date

Here are some helpful tips to follow when changing a DVSA theory test booking:

1. Plan: Change your booking as early as possible to have more options and reduce availability issues. During peak periods with high demand for theory tests, test availability may be limited.

2. Check different availability at different theory test centres: Each DVSA test centre has a certain capacity for theory tests, and availability may be limited at some centres. If your preferred location does not have availability, it is advisable to check for alternative test centres.

Check out the waiting times at every theory test centre

3. Check the rules: Familiarise yourself with the DVSA's refund policies on changing test bookings.

4. Use the online system: The DVSA provides an online platform for changing theory test bookings. It is the quickest and most convenient way to make amendments.

5. Have your details ready: Before accessing the online system, ensure you have your booking reference number and personal details.

Are you ready to pass your theory test?

Preparing for the DVSA theory test does not have to be hard. Driving Theory 4 All's app is a quicker, easier and smarter way to prepare for your driving theory test.

Download our Driving Theory Test Assistant app for FREE for the best chance of passing your theory test first time.

Frequently asked questions about how to change a driving theory test

You can change your UK driving theory test on the GOV website, or by phone or email. To change your DVSA theory test booking online, you need to have your valid provisional driving licence number and theory test booking reference number.

Yes, you can change the date and location of your DVSA theory test if the appointment has already been confirmed.

Looking for information about other theory test centre locations? Find your nearest DVSA theory test centre

Yes, you can cancel your theory test and get a refund if you give at least three working days' notice. If you fail to give the required notice, you will have to pay again for your new booking.

If you cancel your theory test with at least three clear working days' notice, you will be eligible for a full refund of the test fee. It's crucial to provide sufficient notice to avoid losing the fee.

Yes, it is possible to change or cancel an instructor theory test. You will also need to give at least three full working days' notice, excluding Sundays and public holidays.

You can change your theory test as many times as you need to. However, if you cancel or change your test within three working days of the original date, you will have to pay again.

The current cost for a car or motorcycle theory test in the UK is £23.

You can book your theory test on the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, if you book your driving theory test with us, you'll get a Pass Guarantee and full access to the Driving Theory Test Assistant app.

Book theory test with unlimited free re-tests

Yes, it is possible to revise for a theory test in three days. However, it's important to allocate enough time each day and use effective study techniques to ensure you have a solid understanding of the material.

Our online theory test practice platform has everything you need to help you pass first time and get ready for your test quickly, including the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, and exclusive tutorial videos.

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Looking for driving test cancellations?

Find DVSA driving test cancellations with our driving test cancellation finder.

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Try our free driving test availability checker

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