Don't use test swap apps after 12th May 2026!
This is an important update on the driving test booking changes, which will be very important for all learner drivers when booking their driving tests.
Changes already in place
First of all, let's recap the changes that have already happened. Ever since 31st March, a driving test can only be changed twice, rather than the six changes that were previously possible. A 'change' includes any modification to the test booking such as changing the date or the time, changing the test centre, or swapping the booking with another student. For clarity... a 'change' only counts when the test booking details are edited, so a change of the test date, time, and location (all at once), would be counted as one change.
The next major change (12th May 2026)
Starting from 12th May 2026, it will not be permitted (or legal!) for anyone to make a driving test booking, or change a driving test booking, except the candidate themselves. The goal is to put a stop to the currently abused system where the login details of unscrupulous driving instructors were being used to block book driving tests, which then made it hard for candidates to book one via the official channels.
Future changes (June 2026)
Starting on 9th June 2026, you will only be able to move a test to the three nearest driving test centres, relative to the one where you already have your booking. For example...
Burgess Hill driving tests can be moved to:
- Crawley - about 12 miles away
- Redhill Aerodrome - about 21 miles away
- Worthing - about 26 miles away
Crawley driving tests can be moved to:
- Burgess Hill - about 12 miles away
- Redhill Aerodrome - about 13 miles away
- Worthing - about 25 miles away
The important bit - read this!
After 12th May 2026 there will be no way that anyone can legally use a 3rd party test swapping service (sometimes known as a 'test swap app' or a 'test cancellation app') to book or change the details of their driving test. Some ZED School students have used these apps in the past, often feeling that they had no choice because it was the only way they could get a driving test.
After 12th May, the only legal way to book or make changes to your driving test, is for you to do it yourself by directly communicating with the DVSA. No third parties will be allowed. That means no apps, no driving insructors, and no online services except (of course) the official DVSA website. ZED School has always encouraged students not to use the test swap/cancellation apps, because we believe that it has been contributing to the test shortage problem.
From 12th May, if the DVSA detects that your driving test has been booked, swapped, or amended using one of those apps (or via any other 3rd party), they will flag your driver number as suspected of being used in violation of the new rules. From that point onwards, you will be barred from making any test bookings / changes online. After that, the only way you will be able to make any kind of test booking will be by telephone to the DVSA. This will obviously be much less convenient, and you should expect a lot of additional questions to verify that you are the genuine candidate.
How can candidates legally swap their test date?
After 12th May it will still be possible to swap a test date with another candidate, but there are some strict conditions:
- Both of the test bookings (yours and the person with whom you are swapping), must not have already used their two changes. Even if only one of the tests has used up both changes, the swap still cannot go ahead.
- The swap must happen at least 10 working days before the earlier of the two driving test bookings. Monday to Saturday counts as a working day. Sundays and Bank Holidays do not count.
- The types of the two test bookings must match exactly. e.g. You cannot swap a weekday test with a weekend test. You cannot swap a standard test with an extended time test.
- After 9th June, the tests can only be swapped if the bookings are at the same test centre, or being swapped between the three nearest test centres.
- Test swaps can only be arranged by phone. Driving tests cannot be swapped online, by text message, via social media, or via web chat.
- Driving instructors cannot swap a test on behalf of their students, even by phone.
- Both learners must be available at the same time when the swap is made. They do not need to be in the same place and physically together. The DVSA will contact both learners individually at the time of the swap.
Summary
Don't use test swap / cancellation apps after 12th May 2026!