Free to use · UK-wide
Your driving test booking reference is a unique code that lets you manage your DVSA test date — and it's the key piece of information needed to complete a driving test swap with another learner.
Everything you need to know at a glance.
When you book and pay for your practical driving test on gov.uk, DVSA assigns your booking a unique reference number. It identifies your specific test slot — the date, time, and centre — in the DVSA system.
Check your booking confirmation email from [email protected], or log in at gov.uk/change-driving-test. It appears on every DVSA email relating to your test and on reminder messages sent before your test date.
You need your reference number to change your test date online or by phone, to cancel your booking, or — crucially — to complete a peer-to-peer driving test swap with another learner through TestSwap.
Know what to look for in your confirmation email.
Lost your reference? Here's exactly where to look.
Search your inbox for an email from [email protected] sent when you first booked and paid. The subject line will be something like 'Practical driving test booking confirmation'. Your reference number appears prominently near the top of the email.
Log in at gov.uk/change-driving-test using your driving licence number. Once logged in, your current test booking is displayed including the full reference number. This also shows your test date, time, and centre.
If you can't access your email or account, call DVSA on 0300 200 1122. You'll need your driving licence number and personal details to hand. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
You can manage your DVSA booking online in minutes — you'll need your reference to do it.
Cost: Free to change online if done at least 3 clear working days before your test. Changing with less notice means you lose your £62 fee.
Important: If you're considering cancelling because you want a different date, a test swap may be better — you keep your booking and just change the date.
This is the most important thing to understand if you want to swap your test date with another learner.
A driving test swap is a peer-to-peer date exchange. Two learners who each want what the other has agree to call DVSA simultaneously — each quoting the other's booking reference — and each change their own booking to the other person's date. Your reference number is what makes this possible.
Create a free TestSwap account. Enter your current test date, centre, and the date range you're targeting. You'll add your DVSA reference number to your profile.
TestSwap's engine sweeps all 359 UK test centres every 15 minutes, looking for a learner who has what you want and wants what you have.
When a match is found, both learners are notified and must confirm they agree. Only after both confirm does the system reveal each other's DVSA reference numbers.
Armed with each other's reference numbers, both learners call DVSA on 0300 200 1122 and quote the reference to change to the new date. Done.
How TestSwap protects your reference number
Your DVSA booking reference is encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption. It is never stored in plain text and is only decrypted within a secure 1-hour viewing window after both parties have confirmed the swap. Your driving licence number is never shared with the other party — only the booking reference number.
Your reference number unlocks three ways to manage your DVSA booking.
| Action | Online (gov.uk) | By phone | TestSwap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change to any DVSA date | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (matched date) |
| Find another learner to swap with | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Automatic |
| Cost to change | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Reference number required | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minimum notice needed | 3 working days | 3 working days | 3 working days |
| Chance of getting earlier date | Low (limited slots) | Low | ✓ High |
| Need to find your own match | N/A | N/A | ✗ We do it |
Essential numbers and rules every UK learner should know.
Practical test fee
£62
Standard weekday rate. £75 evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Theory test fee
£23
Separate booking from the practical. Must pass theory before booking practical.
Test duration (practical)
~70 min
40 mins driving + pre-drive checks and eyesight test. About 70 minutes total.
Theory test duration
57 min
57 minutes total: 50 questions (57 min) + 14 hazard perception clips.
DVSA helpline
0300 200 1122
Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm. Use to change, cancel, or query your test booking.
Cancellation notice
3 working days
Cancel or change with fewer than 3 working days notice and you lose the £62 fee.
359
DVSA test centres covered
5–14
Days to find a swap match
15 min
Engine sweep frequency
Free
To register and swap
If you've got a test but want an earlier or more convenient date, swapping is almost always better than cancelling and rebooking.
Want to know more about the swap process? Learn how to swap your driving test date →
Register free on TestSwap, add your DVSA booking, and our engine will find a mutual match across all 359 UK test centres. When a swap is agreed, you'll share reference numbers and each call DVSA to confirm. Free. No card required.
Register Free — Find a Swap