How to Cancel, Rebook or Get a Refund for Your Theory Test
The key rule: cancel at least 3 clear working days before your test and you get a full refund. Miss that deadline and you lose £23.
The 3-Working-Day Rule
Cancel 3+ working days before = full £23 refund
Cancel with less than 3 working days' notice = no refund and you lose the £23 fee.
What counts as a working day?
Working days are Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays. Sunday is not a working day. Count backwards from your test date, skipping Sundays and bank holidays.
Example
If your test is on Wednesday, you must cancel by the end of the previous Friday at the latest. That gives you Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday as your 3 working days.
If your test is on Monday, you must cancel by the end of the previous Tuesday. That gives you Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (or Thursday, Friday, Saturday) as your 3 working days.
How to Cancel
Online (recommended)
Go to gov.uk/change-theory-test. Log in with the email address you used to book. Find your booking and select "Cancel test". The refund is processed automatically.
By phone
Call DVSA on 0300 200 1122. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. Have your booking reference number ready. This number is in your confirmation email.
How to Reschedule
Rescheduling follows the same rules as cancellation. Give at least 3 working days' notice and there is no charge. The easiest way is to cancel your existing booking and make a new one at gov.uk/book-theory-test.
You can also change the date directly at gov.uk/change-theory-test without cancelling first. This keeps your booking reference the same.
Special Circumstances Refunds
If you cannot attend due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be able to get a refund even with less than 3 days' notice. The DVSA considers claims for:
- •Illness or injury - provide a doctor's note or medical evidence
- •Bereavement - close family member. A death certificate or funeral notice may be requested
- •School or college exams - provide evidence of the exam date
- •Stolen or lost licence - provide a police crime reference number
Email your claim with supporting evidence to the DVSA at [email protected]. Include your booking reference and a clear explanation.
DVSA Cancellations
If the DVSA cancels your test (due to examiner illness, severe weather, or a technical issue at the test centre), you are offered a free rebooking or a full refund. You do not need to claim this separately; the DVSA will contact you.
New 2026 Booking Rules
From 31 March 2026, two new rules apply:
- 1.Only 2 changes per booking. After two date changes, you must cancel and rebook from scratch.
- 2.Learners must book their own tests. Driving instructors can no longer book theory tests on behalf of their pupils.
Cancellation FAQ
Can I get a refund for my theory test?
Yes, if you cancel at least 3 clear working days before your test. The refund goes back to your original payment method within 5-10 working days. Miss the deadline and you lose the full £23.
What counts as a working day?
Monday to Saturday, excluding public and bank holidays. Sunday does not count as a working day. Count 3 working days back from (but not including) your test date.
What if I miss my test?
If you do not attend and have not cancelled, you lose the £23 fee with no refund. You will need to book and pay for a new test. There are no exceptions for simply forgetting or arriving late.
How long does the refund take?
DVSA refunds typically appear on your statement within 5-10 working days. If you paid by debit card, it may take slightly longer. Contact your bank if the refund has not appeared after 15 working days.
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
No. Theory test bookings are non-transferable. Each booking is linked to a specific provisional licence number. If you cannot attend, cancel and get a refund. The other person must make their own booking.