What Happens on the DVSA Call During a Driving Test Swap? Both Calls Explained
Many learners are nervous about the DVSA call that completes a swap. Here's exactly what happens, what you'll be asked, and why both of you now need to pick up the phone.
Updated 1 October 2026: both learners must now call DVSA separately on the same day. The old "one caller, one on standby" method no longer completes a swap.
What You Need Before Calling
What DVSA Will Ask You
Each call follows the same pattern: DVSA verifies who you are, you agree to a legal declaration, and you confirm the details of both tests — yours and the other learner's, including their booking reference. On the first call DVSA records the request and nothing changes; on the second call DVSA completes the swap.
DVSA will never ask you for your card's full number or security code, and you should never give your licence number, theory certificate, address, phone number, email address or card details to the other learner.
Both Calls, Step by Step
📞 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.
The first learner requests the swap
- 1Ring DVSA on 0300 200 1122 and select option 2.
- 2Pass the security checks.
- 3Agree to the legal declaration.
- 4Give DVSA the details of both tests, including the other learner's booking reference.
- 5DVSA records the swap request — nothing changes yet.
The other learner confirms — same day
- 1Ring DVSA on 0300 200 1122 and select option 2 — on the same day as the first call.
- 2Pass the security checks.
- 3Agree to the legal declaration.
- 4Give DVSA the details of both tests.
- 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.
Make Your Swap Calls from Your Sofa
Swappy matches you, helps you agree the day, and shares the booking references you'll both need. You each make your own call to DVSA.
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