DVSA changes process for learners swapping driving tests

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is changing the process for learner drivers who want to swap their driving test appointments.

From 1 October, learners will no longer need to be available at the same time to arrange a test swap.

Under the new process, the first learner will need to call DVSA to request the swap. The second learner must then call DVSA on the same working day to confirm that they are happy for the swap to take place.

DVSA will only process the swap if both learners contact the agency on the same working day.

Previously, both learners needed to be available at the same time to arrange the swap.

DVSA says the change is intended to make the process smoother and less stressful by removing the need for learners to coordinate their availability.

Driving instructors are being asked to make their pupils aware of the new process ahead of the change taking effect on 1 October.

Carly Brookfield, CEO of Driving Instructors Association, said: “Removing the requirement for both learners to be available at exactly the same time is a sensible improvement and addresses one of the more impractical elements of the original process.

“However, it still raises the question of why, in 2026, swapping a driving test requires two learners to telephone DVSA on the same working day. We continue to believe there should be a simpler, more efficient digital solution for managing test bookings and swaps.

“While any improvement that makes the process easier for learners is welcome, this feels more like simplifying an unnecessarily complicated process than addressing the wider problems with the system.”