How It Works

Do You Need a 3-Way Call With the DVSA to Swap Your Driving Test? (No — Here's the Current Process)

A common myth is that both learners must be on one conference call with the DVSA. That's never been necessary. But the old advice — that one of you calls and DVSA rings the other — was retired on 1 October 2026. Here's how a swap actually completes now.

Phone call

The Short Answer: No 3-Way Call — But Two Calls, Same Day

Nobody needs to merge calls or share a speakerphone. But you can't sit back and wait for DVSA to ring you either: each learner must phone DVSA separately, on the same day. The first learner requests the swap; the second learner calls to confirm it, and that second call is where DVSA completes the change.

DVSA recommends the second learner calls by no later than 4pm so there's enough time to finish the swap that day. If it doesn't happen, the request expires at the end of the day and you both start again — DVSA won't ring the first learner to tell them.

If a guide tells you only one learner needs to call, it predates the 1 October 2026 update. Following it means the swap won't be completed.

How a Swap Works Now, Step by Step

1

You find your match on Swappy

Browse learners with the test date you want and propose a swap.

2

Agree the day you'll both call

Decide together which day you'll each phone DVSA, and make sure the second caller can ring before 4pm.

3

Call 1 — one of you requests the swap

Ring 0300 200 1122 (option 2), pass security checks, agree to the legal declaration, and give DVSA the details of both tests including the other learner's booking reference.

4

Call 2 — the other learner confirms it

The second learner rings DVSA themselves the same day, ideally before 4pm, and passes the same checks. DVSA completes the swap on this call.

5

Both get confirmation emails

DVSA emails both learners their new booking details. You keep your own booking reference and payment details.

The Two Calls in Detail

📞 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.

FAQs About the DVSA Swap Call

How long does each call take?

Usually a few minutes once you get through, plus hold time — which can be 10–30 minutes on busy days. The first call records the request; the second completes the swap.

What number do we call?

0300 200 1122 — select option 2 and follow the prompts. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Can one of us call and the other stay on standby?

No. That was the old process. DVSA no longer rings your partner for you — they must call themselves on the same day.

What if my partner doesn't call in time?

The request expires at the end of the day and nothing changes on either booking. You'd both need to start again from call 1.

Find Your Swap Match on Swappy

Swappy matches you with a compatible learner, helps you agree the day, and shares the booking references both calls need. You each make your own call to the DVSA.

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