While there are signs that practical driving test availability is improving, the wait still remains too long, especially for learners who are test ready now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if like many of my learners, you have booked a test months in advance, but feel you are ready now, you really don\u2019t want to spend more money on driving lessons just to keep your skills sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s when a test swap becomes a potential time-saver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A test swap involves two learners exchanging their existing bookings. Both must want the other\u2019s exact date, time and test centre. Each learner must deal with DVSA themselves. No third parties can arrange the swap. Driving instructors can offer advice and introduce learners, but they cannot change or swap bookings on your behalf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From 1st<\/sup> October 2026, DVSA changed the process for learners to swap their tests. You no longer have to be available at the same time. Instead, each learner must telephone DVSA separately on the same working day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of my learners recently asked if I was available on any of the dates and times she had been given by a Facebook user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The business Facebook page (which I will not name) did not ask for the learner\u2019s test date before offering three available \u2018swaps\u2019. Wisely, my learner did not give them any further details before checking with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a bit of research, I strongly suspected the page was a scam. The learner then asked how much the swap would cost. The answer did nothing to reassure me \u2013 they wanted \u00a3120.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what are the dangers of trying to arrange a test swap on social media with a person you have never met, or a business offering you a swap in return for payment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The obvious one is the opportunity to take money off you, without you ever receiving anything in return. But losing your money is not the only risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to exchange booking reference numbers for a genuine swap, but you should not give the other learner your driving licence number, payment card details or theory test certificate number. DVSA will ask you for your own information when you call to complete its security checks. Sharing sensitive information with a stranger could put your booking and personal data at risk. Never send a photograph of your driving licence to someone offering you a test swap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a checklist for learners looking to swap a test booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My learner did exactly the right thing: pausing and checking. If an offer leaves you unsure, please do the same.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n