Cancel your theory test

Cancel your driving theory test if you no longer need your appointment.

You must give at least 3 full working days’ notice to change your test or you’ll have to pay again. Monday to Saturday count as working days but Sundays and public holidays do not.

If you cancel your test at short notice

If you cancel within 3 full working days of the test date, you’ll lose the original fee.

Get a refund after you’ve cancelled your test

You can get a refund if you have:

  • an illness or injury that means you cannot take your test
  • suffered a bereavement
  • to take an exam at a school or college
  • had your driving licence stolen

Email the Driver and Vehicles Standard Agency (DVSA) with the subject title ‘Unavoidable short notice cancellation’.

Attach proof of the reason you’ve had to change your appointment. This can be:

  • a letter from your school or college confirming you have an exam at the same time as your appointment
  • a crime number and contact name of the police officer if you’ve had your driving licence stolen
  • a fit note or medical certificate from a healthcare professional such as your GP

If you were sick for 7 days or fewer, you might have to pay for a private medical certificate.

As well as attaching the proof, you’ll need to include your full name (as it appears on your driving licence), address, postcode and date of birth in your email.

You must also include either:

  • your driving licence number
  • your booking reference number

DVSA customer services
theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

DVSA will tell you when you’ve been refunded the fee.

Cancel your test online

You’ll need your UK driving licence number. 

Start now

What you need to know

Help with your booking

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get help cancelling your theory test appointment.

To cancel your theory test by phone or email, you’ll need to give your:

  • full name (as it appears on your driving licence)

  • date of birth

  • address, including your postcode

  • driving licence number

  • booking reference number

DVSA theory test enquiries
theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges

There’s a different service to cancel your theory test in Northern Ireland.

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. You are currently viewing: Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses