Booking rules
What Happens When DVSA Cancels Your Driving Test
If DVSA cancels or moves your test — for bad weather, examiner unavailability or another operational reason — you are not penalised. You do not lose your fee, the rearrangement does not use your two changes, and DVSA will offer you a new appointment.
Why DVSA cancels tests
The common causes are ice, snow, fog or high winds that make routes unsafe; examiner illness or strike action; and centre problems such as flooding. Weather decisions are often made on the morning itself, so a winter test can be cancelled while you are on your way.
What to do on the day
Check messages before setting off
DVSA contacts you using the details on the booking if a cancellation is decided in advance — one good reason to keep your contact details current (updating them never uses a change).
In doubtful weather, attend unless told otherwise
Unless DVSA has told you the test is off, travel to the centre if it is safe to do so. Decisions are sometimes made slot by slot, and not turning up without a cancellation counts as a missed test.
Follow the rebooking contact
DVSA arranges a new appointment after a cancellation on their side. If you hear nothing within a few days, get in touch — details in our contact guide.
Your position after a DVSA cancellation
- Your fee carries over to the rearranged test — you pay nothing extra.
- Your change allowance is untouched. DVSA-made changes never count towards your two changes.
- Out-of-pocket costs: DVSA has a compensation scheme for certain expenses when it cancels at short notice, such as instructor car hire — check the current claim rules on GOV.UK before assuming anything is covered.
Frequently asked questions
Does a DVSA weather cancellation use one of my two changes?
No. Changes DVSA makes are excluded from the two-change limit and you are not penalised in any way.
Can I claim my instructor's fee back if DVSA cancels?
DVSA runs a compensation process for certain out-of-pocket costs when it cancels a test at short notice. Check the current rules and claim route on GOV.UK, and keep receipts.
Official sources
Related guides
Missed your test?
What a no-show costs and what may be recoverable.
The 2026 booking rules
The two-change limit, learner-only booking and centre restrictions.
Fees and DVSA contact
Every fee and official link in one place, with DVSA's phone line.