Driving test cancellations
Learn how to use driving test cancellations to snap up an earlier slot for your driving test
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Driving test cancellations – they can be good news, or bad news.
If you’re looking for a closer time slot to book your test, finding cancelled driving test slots is ideal.
If you’re waiting for your test and it’s suddenly cancelled, or you need to cancel it yourself, it can be a real pain.
Read our guide to learn how to make the most of driving test cancellations and, hopefully, get your licence sooner.
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What are driving test cancellations?
Driving test cancellations are what they say on the tin – driving test slots that become available as somebody else has cancelled.
This might not sound a big deal unless you’re a learner driver. Anyone trying to pass their test in the UK will know how hard it is to secure a driving test slot without a long wait.
And, according to government statistics, 102,125 tests were cancelled nationally in 2023-2024, which is why many learner drivers keep an eye on them.
63,666 tests were cancelled due to medical absences – the highest cancellation reason overall.
10,618 tests were cancelled due to acts of nature such as bad weather, and 24,400 due to annual leave or special leave.
So, there’s a fair share of cancelled test slots floating around.
Why look for driving test cancellations?
Somebody else’s bad luck can be your good news. Cancelled test slots mean you can snap them up, book in and get your test done much faster.
Driving test slots, for both practical and theory tests, are usually booked up months in advance. By checking for cancelled tests, you might be able to get it done sooner.
You might also be able to find a more suitable slot, or one that will feel like a less stressful test.
For example, you might want to swap a driving test that’s scheduled for rush hour traffic for one at a quieter time.
How to find driving test cancellations
There are a few ways you can look for driving test cancellations. But we still recommend booking a test for a day and time you’d be happy with if a cancellation doesn’t come up, even if it means waiting a bit longer.
Checking the DVSA website
The most direct way to check for driving test cancelations is on the DVLA website.
The website operates from 6am to 11.40pm and you'll be able to book tests up to 24 weeks in advance.
It’s free to reschedule a driving test you’ve already paid for as long as you do so up to three full working days before the test. Any longer than this and you’ll need to pay again, but it’s worth noting you can cancel your test right up until the test begins if you need to.
To reschedule your test on the DVLA website, you’ll need your UK driving licence number and your driving test reference number.
Using driving test cancellation apps
If you don’t have the time or patience to search for cancelled driving tests manually, there are some apps that can do this for you.
Usually, you’ll book your driving test through the DVLA and then sign up to an app that scans test centres for suitable rescheduling slots.
You can list the times, dates and places that work best for you – or any of these you’d like to avoid.
The app will then send you a notification if there’s a cancellation slot that might work for you. You’ll then be given a time frame to book it within and the test will be reserved, before the test is offered to someone else.
You’ll have to pay a fee to use these apps. It differs depending on the one you choose, but you can expect it to be around £20.
Make sure you check the reviews for each app before you get started and be careful when sharing personal details.
Using driving test cancellation services
If you’re not keen on an app, there are also online driving test cancellation services you can use – usually a website but browser extensions are available.
Like the apps, websites and browser extensions monitor the DVLA website and let you know if a suitable test becomes available.
There are currently no cancellation services (apps, websites, etc.) run or endorsed by the DVLA, so be very careful when deciding to use one.
Reviews are usually the best way of finding reputable services for cancellations.
Also, while an early test might seem like a good idea, make sure you’re actually ready to take the test sooner. Sometimes it can be better to wait and get in more practice.
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Tips for securing a driving test cancellation
There are a few things you can do to make scouting for a cancelled test easier.
Be flexible with dates and times
Being flexible with the dates and times you’re able to take a test will make it much easier to find a cancellation slot. The more availability the better, especially if you’re using a cancellation tool.
You might also choose to be flexible with test location, but this will depend on how confident you feel. If you’ve been practising around one test centre, you might be thrown off on the day by a new route or setting.
Check frequently
If you’re not having a tool check for you, or even if you are, it’s best to check the DVLA website very frequently for test cancellations.
Log on early in the morning and late at night, as other people are less likely to be searching at these times.
Don’t neglect busy times, though. Checking on your lunch break might mean you catch a cancellation from someone else whose just checked their work rota and needs to reschedule...
Driving test cancellations FAQs
When do driving test cancellations get released?
Driving test cancellations are released immediately after they’ve been freed up. It’s a random game spotting when a cancellation pops up, so stay vigilant!
How often do driving test cancellations come up?
All the time – there's no telling how often and when they’re going to appear. You can see by the stats at the top that people cancel often, so there’s usually options popping up regularly.
When is the best time to check for driving test cancellations?
The best time to check for driving test cancellations is all the time – which is why it can be pretty tricky. It can be a good idea to check several times a day whenever it comes to mind or set a reminder so you don’t forget to keep looking.
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