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What Happens If You're Late to Your Driving Test?
Short answer: you lose your test and your fee. Here's the full picture and how to avoid it.
If you miss your slot
The DVSA will mark your test as a no-show. You lose your £62 fee and have to rebook from scratch — potentially waiting another 14-24 weeks.
If you arrive a few minutes late
Some examiners may still take you if they haven't moved on to the next candidate. But there's no guarantee — it's entirely at their discretion.
How to Avoid Being Late
Plan your route the night before
Allow 30 minutes for unexpected traffic
Set two alarms
Aim to arrive 10 minutes early
Check for roadworks or diversions
Missed your test? Don't wait months again
Swap for an earlier retest on Swappy — it's free.