Home / The DVSA Swap Call

Updated October 2026 · 4 min read

No 3-Way Call Needed — But You Both Must Call DVSA

Good news: you don't need a conference call, a special phone network, or to meet anyone in person. But the old advice that one of you can call and let DVSA ring the other was retired on 1 October 2026 — you now each call DVSA yourself, on the same day.

The Process Changed on 1 October 2026

Until recently, DVSA would take one learner's call and ring the other learner themselves to confirm — the "lead caller and standby" method most guides still describe. That is no longer how it works.

DVSA now requires both learners to phone them separately, on the same day: the first learner requests the swap, the second learner calls to confirm it, and the swap is only completed on that second call.

Don't rely on older guides

If a blog or forum post tells you only one of you needs to call, or that DVSA will ring your partner for you, it's out of date. Following it risks a call that can't complete the swap.

How the Swap Call Works Now

📞 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.

Still no conference call

You never need to be on the same call, and most UK mobile networks can't merge calls anyway. Swappy matches you with a compatible learner, helps you agree the day you'll both call and shares the two booking references you need — then you each make your own call, and DVSA does the rest on its official phone line.