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How to Cancel Your Theory Test

Theory Test
Last updated: Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
How to Cancel Your Theory Test

How to cancel a theory test booking

How do I cancel a theory test booking? Cancelling a theory test may seem daunting, but it is common for many learner drivers. Whether it's due to unforeseen circumstances or a change of plans, cancelling a theory test is an easy process that can be done online or by phone or email.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has set out clear guidelines for learners who wish to cancel their theory test. This article gives you a step-by-step guide on how to cancel theory test bookings, along with some important things to remember.

Key takeaways

  • Cancelling a theory test is a straightforward process that can be done online or by phone or email

  • You must give the DVSA at least three clear working days' notice when cancelling your driving theory test booking otherwise you will not be entitled to a refund

  • Being fully prepared before taking the theory test is essential to avoid any unnecessary cancellations

  • You can only book your practical driving test once you pass your theory test

Should you change or cancel your theory test booking?

There are several reasons why you may need to change or cancel a theory test appointment. These include:

1. Illness or injury

If you're feeling unwell or have suffered an injury, you may not be in the best condition to take the theory test. In such cases, it is advisable to cancel the appointment and reschedule for a later date.

2. Scheduling conflicts

You may have other important engagements that clash with your theory test appointment, such as a job interview or a family emergency. In such cases, you can cancel the test, or you may prefer to reschedule it for a more convenient time. Here's our step-by-step guide on how to change your theory test appointment.

3. Lack of preparation

If you feel that you're not prepared to take your DVSA theory test, you may want to cancel the appointment and spend more time revising. This can help ensure that you have a better chance of passing the test.

Our online theory test practice platform has the latest DVSA revision questions and CGI hazard perception clips, plus exclusive tutorial videos.

Download our brand-new Driving Theory Test Assistant app for FREE for the best chance of passing your theory test first time.

When cancelling your DVSA driving theory test, you must do so at least three working days before your appointment to receive a full refund.

If you cancel your test less than three working days before your appointment, you will not receive a refund unless you have extenuating circumstances.

Need to book a theory test? Book your DVSA driving theory test now with a PASS Guarantee at any DVSA test centre

Looking for information about DVSA theory test centres? Find everything you need to know about your nearest DVSA test centre

How to cancel a theory test booking online

The easiest and most convenient way to cancel your theory test is online. You can cancel your test by following these simple steps:

  1. Visit GOV
  2. Enter your booking reference number and provisional driving licence number
  3. Carefully review the test details before confirming you want to cancel the test
  4. The DVSA will send you an email confirming your theory test cancellation

You will lose your test fee if you fail to give at least three clear working days' notice.

How to cancel theory test dates by phone or email

You can also cancel your theory test with the DVSA by phone or email. When cancelling your test by phone or email, you need to provide the DVSA with your full name, date of birth, provisional driving licence number, address and test reference number.

The DVSA will cancel your test and provide you with a confirmation email.

Cancelling by phone

You can cancel your theory test booking by calling the DVSA on 0300 200 11 22 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.)

Cancelling by email

Alternatively, you can email the DVSA at theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk to cancel your theory test. After you inform the DVSA, they will cancel your test and email you to confirm the cancellation.

How to cancel your theory test in Northern Ireland

Do you have a Northern Ireland theory test booking? You can cancel a theory test you have booked in Northern Ireland by going to the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) website and following the step-by-step process.

Can you cancel a theory test booking at short notice?

If you cancel your theory test with more than three working days' notice, you will get a refund of the test fee from the DVSA.

You may also be eligible for a refund if you cancel your theory test at short notice (within three working days of your test) if you have an illness or injury that means you cannot take your test, you have suffered a bereavement, you have to take an exam, you had your provisional driving licence stolen, or have other unforeseen circumstances.

To claim a refund, you need to email the DVSA and provide evidence of your circumstances. You can find everything you need to know to claim a refund on the GOV.UK website.

Theory test cancellations

Are you ready to take your driving test, but you can't find a suitable theory test date? You can find earlier theory test dates online on the DVSA website. Here's our step-by-step guide on how to change your theory test to an earlier date.

Theory test cancellations can become available at any time, so you will have to be quick to snap up cancellation appointments. Check the latest theory test waiting times at every DVSA theory test centre.

Still need to book your theory test? We can book your theory test at any DVSA theory test centre for a date and time that suits you. You'll even get a Pass Guarantee and full access to our Driving Theory Test Assistant app that gives you everything you need to ace your theory test first time.

Book your theory test now

Are you ready to take your theory test?

We recommend taking your theory test only when you've fully prepared for the test.

Our Driving Theory Test Assistant app is a quicker, easier and smarter way to prepare for your driving theory test. And it gives you the best chance of passing your theory test first time.

Download our theory test app now for FREE.

Frequently asked questions about how to cancel a theory test

Yes, you can cancel your DVSA theory test booking at any time. However, if you cancel less than three working days before your appointment, you may not receive a refund unless you have extenuating circumstances.

To cancel a driving theory test, you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) by phone or email. You can also cancel your driving theory test online through the official DVSA website.

Yes, you will receive a full refund if you cancel your DVSA theory test with at least three working days' notice.

Yes, you can cancel your test at short notice. If you cancel your test at short notice, you may still be eligible for a refund if you have unforeseen circumstances.

If you miss your theory test appointment, you will lose your test fee and will need to book and pay for another theory test. It is important to arrive at the theory test centre in plenty of time and bring all necessary documents.

Looking for driving test cancellations?

Find DVSA driving test cancellations with our driving test cancellation checker.

Find DVSA driving test cancellations now

Try our free driving test cancellation checker

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