Driving test scams: how to protect yourself

Waiting for a driving test is frustrating, and scammers know it. Here's how to spot them, and what to do if something doesn't feel right.

Four things to remember

Swapping is free. DVSA doesn't charge to swap, and neither do we. Nobody should ask you for money to swap a test.
Only pay DVSA, and only the official fee. A car test costs £62 on a weekday, or £75 on an evening, weekend or bank holiday. Book through GOV.UK's Book your driving test service, and nowhere else.
Only you can book, change, swap or cancel your test. Since 12 May 2026 it's against the law for anyone else to book a car test for you, including driving instructors and booking services.
Keep your details to yourself. Never give another learner your driving licence number, theory test certificate number, address, phone number, email address or payment card details.

Someone selling a test date, or promising a "guaranteed" earlier test, for example on social media or in a group chat.
Being asked to pay to swap, to "hold" a slot, or for a fee on top of DVSA's.
Being asked to pay by bank transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency, or being rushed to pay before you "lose" a slot.
Someone offering to phone DVSA or log in to your booking for you. You must make your own call.
A message that claims to be from DVSA asking for your full card number or security code. DVSA never asks for these.
A website that looks official but isn't. Official DVSA pages are on gov.uk – check the web address before you enter anything.
Services that scan the booking system for cancellations. DVSA doesn't allow them, and using one could get your online booking access suspended or your test cancelled.

We never ask for payment, your licence number, your theory certificate, your address or your card details.
We never share your email address or phone number with the other learner. You only see each other's first name, test details and booking reference.
Messages between learners can't include phone numbers, email addresses, licence or card numbers, or links.
We never phone DVSA or change your booking for you. You make your own call, and DVSA makes the swap.
Our emails only come from @sevenoaksdrivingtestswap.co.uk. They never ask you to pay, never ask for your DVSA login, and never link to a page asking for your licence or card details.

Stop. Don't pay and don't share any more details.
If you've paid or shared your bank details, contact your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card.
Report anyone selling tests or booking tests for others to DVSA using its report driving test resellers, cancellation finders or booking services form.
If you've lost money, report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), or to Police Scotland on 101.
If it happened through our site, use "Report a problem" on your swap page or contact us, and we'll look into it.