How to Swap Your Driving Test Date With Another Learner: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Found a test date that works better for someone else, and they have a slot you'd rather have? The DVSA does allow two learner drivers to swap their practical test dates with each other — but the process is strictly telephone-based and requires both people to be available at the same time. There is no online swap button. Here is what you need to do, step by step.

Important Context: The New Learner-Only Booking Rules

From 12 May 2026, only learners can book and manage their own driving test appointments. This includes swaps. Your instructor cannot arrange a swap on your behalf — doing so is now illegal. Both candidates must call DVSA themselves. If you are not yet managing your own booking, update your contact details on the GOV.UK booking system before attempting a swap.

Step 1: Update Your Contact Details Before Calling (Critical)

Before either person picks up the phone, both candidates must log in to the DVSA booking system and confirm their contact information is current. This is not optional — DVSA will call the other person on the phone number registered to their booking. If that number is wrong, the swap cannot be completed.

• Log in to the DVSA booking system at GOV.UK (Change your driving test).
• Click 'Change' next to 'Candidate details'.
• Confirm your phone number and email address are correct and up to date.
• Save the changes.

Step 2: What to Have Ready Before You Call

When you call DVSA, the adviser will need specific details from you. Have these ready before dialling:

• Your driving licence number.
• Your own booking reference number.
• The other learner's booking reference number — you only need their reference, not their licence number.

Step 3: Make the Call

Both candidates must be free to answer the phone at the same time — you do not need to be in the same room, but you both need to be reachable. One person initiates the process:

• Call the DVSA customer services line: 0300 200 1122, then select option 1.
• Tell the adviser you want to arrange a 'Test Swap'.
• The adviser will carry out a security check to confirm your identity.
• Provide the other learner's booking reference number when asked.
• The adviser will put you on hold and immediately call the other candidate on the phone number registered to their booking.
• The other candidate answers, passes their own security check, and confirms they agree to the swap.
• The adviser returns to your call to confirm the swap is complete.

Key Restrictions to Know Before You Try

Not every pair of test dates can be swapped. The following rules apply, and violating any one of them means the swap cannot proceed:

• 10 working days minimum: the swap must be arranged at least 10 working days before the earlier of the two test dates. Leave it too late and the option closes.
• Change count: each learner is permitted two changes to their test appointment in total. A swap uses one of those two chances. If either person has already used both changes, the swap cannot go ahead.
• Like-for-like dates: weekday tests can only be swapped with other weekday tests. Weekend tests can only be swapped with other weekend tests.
• Location restrictions: not all test centre combinations are eligible. Check the official GOV.UK guidance for the full list of restrictions before calling.

One Rule That Cannot Be Broken

The DVSA requires both candidates to call in person. It is illegal for an instructor, driving school, or any third-party website to arrange a swap on your behalf. If someone offers to organise a swap for you, they are operating outside the law — and you could face consequences too. Always use the official channel: 0300 200 1122.

Where to Find the Full Official Guidance

The DVSA publishes the complete rules for test swaps, including the full list of eligible test centre combinations and any updates to the process, at: gov.uk/guidance/swapping-your-driving-test-with-another-learner-driver. Read this before calling — especially the location eligibility section — so you are not surprised by a restriction on the day.