How to Swap Your Driving Test Date with SomeoneComplete UK Guide 2025
Facing the 22-week driving test backlog? Learn exactly how to legally swap your test date with another learner driver through the official DVSA process. No bots, no exploitation — just a fair, legal exchange.
In This Guide:
What is a Driving Test Swap?
A driving test swap is when two learner drivers exchange their booked driving test appointments. One person has a test date they can't make (or want earlier), and another person needs a different date — so they swap through the official DVSA system.
For example: Sarah has a test booked in Manchester on March 15th but wants an earlier date. Tom has a test on February 20th in Manchester but can't make it. They swap — Sarah gets the February date, Tom gets the March date. Everyone wins.
Key Point
This is NOT the same as "buying" or "selling" test slots. Those services use bots to snipe cancellations and charge £200-400+. Swapping is a fair exchange between two real learners using the official DVSA process.
Is It Legal to Swap Driving Test Dates?
Yes, Swapping is 100% Legal
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) allows candidates to change, cancel, or swap their driving test appointments. When you swap through the official process by calling DVSA on 0300 200 1122, it's completely above board.
What Makes a Swap Legal?
- Official DVSA process: The swap is completed by calling DVSA directly
- Both parties consent: Both learners agree to the exchange
- No slot hoarding: Neither party is booking slots solely to resell
- Real learners: Both parties are genuine test candidates
What's NOT Legal?
Using bots to automatically book cancellation slots, hoarding test slots to resell at inflated prices, or impersonating candidates. These practices exploit the system and can result in DVSA action. DrivingTestSwap does none of these — we simply connect real learners who want to swap.
Why Swap Your Driving Test?
The UK driving test system is facing an unprecedented backlog. Here's why learners are turning to test swapping:
22-Week Average Wait
The average wait for a driving test in the UK is now 22 weeks. In some areas, it's 6+ months. That's half a year of extra lessons and delayed independence.
630,000+ Learners Waiting
Over 630,000 learners are currently in the queue. The backlog shows no signs of clearing soon.
Life Happens
Sometimes you book a test months in advance, then something comes up — holiday, work, illness. Instead of losing your slot, swap it with someone who needs it.
Faster Than Cancellation Checkers
Cancellation services notify you when a slot appears — but so do thousands of others. A swap is a direct exchange, not a race against bots.
How to Swap Your Driving Test: Step-by-Step Guide
Here's exactly how to swap your driving test date using DrivingTestSwap:
Sign Up & Create Your Listing
~5 minutesCreate a free account on DrivingTestSwap. Enter your current test details (date, time, test centre) and select which test centres you'd be willing to swap to. Choose a package based on how many centres you want to add (1, 3, or 5).
Get Matched Automatically
~Hours to daysOur smart matching algorithm runs continuously to find compatible swap partners. When someone has a test date you want AND wants your test date, you'll both be notified via email (and SMS for Plus/Pro users).
Review & Accept the Match
~5 minutesReview the proposed swap details. If you're happy, both parties accept the match. You'll then receive each other's contact details and step-by-step DVSA swap instructions.
Call DVSA to Complete the Swap
~10-15 minutesEither party calls DVSA on 0300 200 1122 with both booking references. The DVSA operator will process the official swap. That's it — your tests are now exchanged!
DrivingTestSwap vs Other Methods
There are several ways to try and get an earlier driving test. Here's how they compare:
| Method | Cost | Success Rate | Legal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| DrivingTestSwap | From £12 | High (direct swap, no racing) | ✓ Yes |
| Cancellation Checker Apps | £10-30/month | Low (compete with thousands for same slots) | ✓ Yes |
| Refreshing DVSA Website | Free | Very Low | ✓ Yes |
| Facebook Swap Groups | Free | Variable (time-consuming) | ✓ Yes |
| Bot-Based "Slot Sellers" | £200-400+ | Medium | ✗ Dubious |
Why DrivingTestSwap Wins
- Direct matching: We match you with a real person who wants your date while you want theirs — a true swap
- No racing: Unlike cancellation checkers, a swap is a done deal once both parties agree
- One-time fee: Pay once, not monthly subscriptions that add up
- No exploitation: Fair pricing, no £400 slot scalping
DVSA Contact Information
To complete your driving test swap, call the DVSA directly:
📞 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Have both booking references ready