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What to Have Ready for the DVSA Swap Calls

Both of you call DVSA on the same day, so both of you need this ready. Be prepared and get your test swapped in minutes.

The Essentials Checklist

Your driving licence number

The long number on your photocard licence — you'll use it on your own call

Your own test booking reference

Sent to you by email when you booked. Check your DVSA account if you can't find it

The other learner's booking reference

Shown in the app once they've shared it — DVSA needs both references

The date, time and centre of both tests

Yours and the one you're swapping to — plus details of any tests you've taken before

A quiet place to call, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

DVSA's line is open Monday to Friday. Both of you call on the same day

📞 The DVSA Number

0300 200 1122

Select option 2 and follow the prompts. Open Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm. Calls cost the same as a local call.

How the Two Calls Work

📞 You both call DVSA — separately, on the same day

DVSA changed this process on 1 October 2026. One learner calls first to request the swap; the other must call the same day to confirm it. The swap only completes on that second call. Dial 0300 200 1122 and select option 2 — lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Call 1

The first learner requests the swap

  1. 1Ring DVSA on 0300 200 1122 and select option 2.
  2. 2Pass the security checks.
  3. 3Agree to the legal declaration.
  4. 4Give DVSA the details of both tests, including the other learner's booking reference.
  5. 5DVSA records the swap request — nothing changes yet.
Call 2

The other learner confirms — same day

  1. 1Ring DVSA on 0300 200 1122 and select option 2 — on the same day as the first call.
  2. 2Pass the security checks.
  3. 3Agree to the legal declaration.
  4. 4Give DVSA the details of both tests.
  5. 5DVSA completes the swap on this call.

What to have ready before you call

  • Your driving licence number
  • Your own driving test booking reference number
  • The other learner's booking reference number
  • The payment card you used to book (not needed if your instructor booked your test before 12 May 2026)
  • Your current test date, time and centre
  • The date, time and centre of the test you have agreed to swap to
  • Details of any driving tests you have taken before

Don't leave the second call late

Both of you must call on the same day, and the second caller should ring no later than 4pm to leave time for the swap to be completed that day.

The request falls through if:

  • • The second learner does not call before the request expires at the end of the day — DVSA will not tell the first learner, so agree between you who calls when.
  • • Either test is changed after the first call — the request is no longer valid and DVSA will explain this on the second call.
  • • The details given on the two calls do not match, someone fails the security check, or either learner does not agree to the declaration.

DVSA won't be able to complete the swap in any of these cases — both tests stay exactly as they are, and you'd start again from the first call. A request also can't be switched to a different learner while it's open.

After you've swapped

  • • You take the other learner's original date, time and centre — they take yours.
  • • DVSA emails you both your new booking details.
  • • You keep your own booking reference, your payment details and any special requirements you added.

Top Tips for the Calls

  • 1.Agree the day you'll both call before you pick up the phone — the second call has to happen the same day
  • 2.The second caller should ring before 4pm so there's time to complete the swap that day
  • 3.Be polite and patient — DVSA hold times can be 10–30 minutes
  • 4.Confirm your new test details before hanging up, and check your email afterwards — DVSA sends both learners confirmation
  • 5.Never give the other learner your licence number, address, phone, email or card details — they only need your booking reference