Test Centre Stats

Guide

How to change your driving test centre

DVSA changed the rules for car tests in 2026. You can still move a test to another centre, but only to a short list, and only twice. Here is how it works and how to use the figures on this site.

Figures quoted are from DVSA data to September 2026.

The rules since 9 June 2026

  • Two changes in total. Changing the date, the time or the centre counts as one change, even if you change several at once. Swapping with another learner also counts. Changes DVSA makes (for example for bad weather) don't count and reset you to two.
  • Only the three nearest centres. Each time you move, you can stay put, move to one of the three centres DVSA lists as nearest by road to where the test is booked, or go back to the centre where you first booked.
  • Only you. Your instructor can't book or change the test for you, and unofficial services that scan the booking system are banned. DVSA can cancel bookings made that way.

Full details: DVSA's changes to driving test booking rules in 2026 and which centres you can move your test to. These rules apply to car tests; other test types can still move to any centre.

Choose your first centre carefully

Because later moves are limited, the centre you book first matters more than it used to. Every centre page here has an "If your test is booked here" table showing DVSA's three move-to centres with their current median waits and pass rates. In September 2026, 189 centres had at least one move-to option with a median wait two or more weeks shorter.

Use the near-me tool to compare centres before booking. Remember the median wait describes recent tests, not the earliest slot you'll see today; see how waiting times are measured.

Changing your centre, step by step

  1. Have your licence number and driving test reference number ready.
  2. Go to Change your driving test appointment on GOV.UK (6am to 11:40pm).
  3. The service shows only the centres you're allowed to move to. Pick one and look for a date.
  4. Give at least 10 full working days' notice to change for free. Moving to an evening or weekend slot costs the difference.

Looking for an earlier date

New tests are released 24 weeks ahead at 6am on Mondays. Earlier dates appear at any time when someone cancels or DVSA adds examiner time, so there's no best moment to look; DVSA asks people not to search repeatedly in a short period (release dates and earlier tests). There's no official cancellation list, and paid "cancellation finder" apps breach the booking terms.

Swapping with another learner

DVSA allows swaps between two learners who both want each other's exact slot, at the same or neighbouring centres, requested at least 10 working days ahead, and it uses one of each person's two changes. See swapping your driving test.

In Ireland

The RSA runs a separate system: you apply for a test and choose a centre, then get an invitation to book a date. Our Ireland page lists the RSA's estimated weeks to an invite for each centre. Apply through the RSA driving test service.

In Northern Ireland

Tests are run by the DVA, not DVSA, and the 2026 DVSA rules above don't apply. You book, change or cancel through nidirect; the DVA releases car test dates three months ahead on the first working day of each month. Our Northern Ireland pages have each centre's pass rate (the DVA doesn't publish waiting times), and new learners there have new rules from 1 October 2026.