Cancel, Rebook & Refund Guide
The 3 clear working day rule, the special-circumstances refund, and why the spring 2026 booking caps apply to the practical test, not your theory booking.
The 3-Working-Day Rule
DVSA refund eligibility is decided by how much notice you give and what counts as a working day in the UK.
3+ clear working days' notice
Cancel through gov.uk and the £23 is refunded to your original payment card within 3-5 working days. You can also reschedule for free in the same window.
Less than 3 working days
The fee is forfeited. You must rebook and pay another £23 to take the test. Special circumstances (see below) may still qualify for a refund.
Working day definition
A working day is Monday through Saturday, excluding UK bank holidays. Sundays do not count. The day of the test itself does not count either, so a Friday test must be cancelled by the previous Tuesday for a full refund (assuming no bank holidays).
How to Cancel or Reschedule
The fastest route is the gov.uk service. Phone the DVSA only if you cannot access the booking online.
Online via gov.uk
- Open gov.uk/change-theory-test
- Enter provisional licence number and booking reference
- Choose "cancel" or "change date"
- Confirm and check email for receipt
DVSA phone
0300 200 1122
Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. Welsh speakers: 0300 200 1133. Have your provisional licence number, booking reference and reason ready.
Special-Circumstances Refunds
If you cannot give 3 working days' notice for one of these reasons, the DVSA may still issue a refund or free rebook. You will need supporting evidence.
| Circumstance | Evidence accepted | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bereavement (close family) | Death certificate or order-of-service | Full refund |
| Illness (you) | GP letter or NHS sick note | Full refund or free rebook |
| School / college exam clash | Letter from the institution | Free rebook |
| Stolen or lost photocard | Police crime reference + DVLA replacement receipt | Free rebook |
| Examiner / DVSA cancels | Automatic - DVSA emails you | Automatic refund or rebook |
| Severe weather closure | DVSA notifies; no claim needed | Automatic free rebook |
Email evidence to the DVSA address shown on your booking confirmation. Include licence number, booking reference and a brief description.
Spring 2026 booking rules: practical test only
- Theory bookings are unaffected. DVSA guidance on the 2026 booking changes states the new rules apply only to car practical driving tests, not theory tests.
- What changed for the practical. From 31 March 2026 a practical booking can only be amended twice; from 12 May 2026 only the learner can book, change or cancel it.
- Theory rules stay the same. Change or cancel your theory test free of charge with at least 3 clear working days' notice, as before.
FAQ
FAQ 1What happens if I miss my theory test?
If you do not turn up, the £23 is forfeited. There is no automatic refund. You can apply for a special-circumstances refund if illness or another qualifying reason applies, with evidence.
FAQ 2Does the DVSA refund the booking fee if my test is cancelled by them?
Yes, automatically. If the examiner is unwell, the centre closes for weather, or there is a system fault, the DVSA will email you and either refund the fee or arrange a free rebook.
FAQ 3How long does a refund take?
Typically 3-5 working days back to your original payment card. Special-circumstances refunds (with evidence) can take up to 4 weeks while the DVSA reviews the claim.
FAQ 4Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
No. The booking is tied to your provisional licence number. The new candidate must book and pay separately.
FAQ 5Is there a fee to reschedule?
No, provided you give at least 3 clear working days' notice. There is no set limit on theory test changes; the two-change cap introduced on 31 March 2026 applies to car practical test bookings only.