The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is reminding learners about a change coming into force tomorrow, April 8. From then anyone wishing to change or cancel their car driving test must give at least 10 full working days’ notice to avoid losing their test fee.
At present, learners must give three full working days’ notice to avoid losing the cash. “Monday to Saturday count as working days but Sundays and public holidays do not”, GOV.UK advice explains.
Currently, the theory test for cars is priced at £23, and the practical driving test costs £62. The newly introduced rule applies exclusively to car driving tests.
If you’re learning to drive, you must still provide at least three full working days’ notice to reschedule or cancel your theory test. The same notice period is also required for motorcycle tests, lorry and bus tests, driving instructor qualification exams, and other specialist vehicle driving assessments.
The reason for the change is due to people not being ready, Government advice adds further. If drivers are not ready, the cancelled appointment then becomes available to other learner drivers.
Information on Gov.uk adds: “But as it’s so close to the test date, it can be hard for people who are ready to pass to make all the necessary arrangements to use the appointment. This can lead to appointments going unused.
“By asking learner drivers to give more notice, it should give other people more chance to use the appointment. This will help to reduce driving test waiting times”.
What if I’m ill or there’s an emergency?
You will still be able to apply for a refund if you have to change or cancel your test at short notice 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
Loveday Ryder, DVSA’s Chief Executive, said: “Extending the short notice cancellation period for driving tests forms part of our 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times. This will encourage learners to change or cancel their test sooner so we can offer up those slots to other customers.
“We remain committed to reducing driving test waiting times and supporting learners in getting on the road when they are truly ready and safe to do so.”
