Fees & refunds
Short Notice Cancellation Refunds Explained
Cancelling inside 10 full working days normally forfeits the fee — but DVSA can refund short notice cancellations for certain serious, documented reasons, such as illness or bereavement, when you apply with evidence. The qualifying reasons and application route are set out on GOV.UK.
How short notice refunds work
The 10 working day rule exists so slots can be reused, but DVSA recognises that emergencies happen. If you cancel late for a qualifying reason, you can apply for a refund and support it with evidence — for a medical reason, that means confirmation from a medical professional; for other reasons, documents that show the circumstances. DVSA assesses applications case by case, so a refund is possible rather than automatic.
The exact qualifying reasons and evidence requirements are maintained by DVSA and can change, so read the current version on GOV.UK's cancellation page before applying rather than relying on any summary — including this one.
What to do, in order
Cancel the test as soon as you know
Do not simply skip the test. Cancel through the official service the moment you know you cannot attend — it releases the slot and shows good faith on any refund application.
Gather your evidence
Medical confirmation, or documents supporting another qualifying reason. Dated evidence covering the test date is what matters.
Apply to DVSA
Follow the short notice refund route on GOV.UK's cancellation page and keep copies of everything you send.
If your reason does not qualify
Cold feet, a clashing appointment you could have moved, or simply not feeling ready are not refund grounds inside the window — the fee is lost. In that case the practical question is what to do next: if you still want a test, book a new one (paying the fee again); and next time, decide before the 10 day deadline — set a reminder for it the day you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund if I'm ill on test day?
Possibly. Cancel as soon as you can and apply for a short notice refund with medical evidence. DVSA assesses each application; check the current rules on GOV.UK.
Is 'not feeling ready' a valid short notice reason?
No. Inside the 10 day window that is a normal late cancellation and the fee is lost. Decide before the deadline — a reminder set on booking day prevents this.
Official sources
Related guides
Cancel and get a refund
The 10 working day rule with worked examples and refund timing.
Missed your test?
What a no-show costs and what may be recoverable.
Rebook a test
Booking again after cancelling or running out of changes.