What happens when we find you a match

Every step, from our first email to your new test date. Your test never changes unless you and the other learner both phone DVSA.

1. 1. We email you

   When another learner wants your date and has one in your range, we email you. Nobody sees your name or email address, and the other learner doesn't know who you are.

2. 2. One of you chooses, the other says yes or no

   You see the dates and times on offer and choose one, or another learner chooses yours. The other learner has 48 hours to reply. Check with your driving instructor first: they need to agree you'll be ready, and be free to take you on the new date and time.

   Your test hasn't changed. If either of you says no, or doesn't reply in time, you both go back on the list.

3. 3. You've both said yes

   You each get a private swap page. It shows the other learner's first name and test, and the date you both need to phone DVSA by. You each add your booking reference, and once you both have, you can see each other's – DVSA needs it when you phone. You can message each other on the swap page; your email and phone number stay private.

   Your test still hasn't changed. If you change your mind, press "We're not going ahead" and we'll tell the other learner.

4. 4. You both phone DVSA, on the same day

   Learner 1 phones DVSA first on 0300 200 1122 (option 2), then presses a button so we can tell learner 2. Learner 2 phones the same day, ideally by 4pm. DVSA checks each of you is who you say you are and that each booking is real, and you each agree to a legal declaration. Your swap page and a printable call sheet tell you exactly what to have ready.

   Calls must be made at least 10 full working days before the earlier test. We show you the last day you can both phone.

5. 5. DVSA swaps both tests at once – or neither

   When learner 2's call is complete, DVSA swaps both tests and emails you both. You can't end up with one test changed and the other not. If anything goes wrong – one of you doesn't call, fails a security check, or changes their test – both tests stay exactly as they were, and you can try again or go back on the list.

6. 6. Tell us it's done

   Press "DVSA has completed our swap" and we delete both learners' details straight away.

What we check, and what we don't

We check every learner's email address is real before they can be matched. We can't see DVSA's bookings, so we don't check that someone's test is genuine – DVSA does that when you phone, so nobody can swap a test that isn't theirs. If anything seems wrong, use "Report a problem" on your swap page.

Stay safe

• Swaps are always free. Never pay the other learner, or anyone else.
• Never give the other learner your licence number, theory test certificate number, address, phone number, email address or card details.
• Only manage your booking through GOV.UK or DVSA's phone line.

How to spot a test scam · FAQs

Based on DVSA's guidance on swapping your driving test with another learner driver.