You can reschedule your driving test in Northern Ireland by contacting the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) at least 10 working days before your test date.

The DVA runs the practical driving test system in Northern Ireland. If you need to move your test to a different date, you must request the change through the DVA's online booking system, by phone, or by post. The key requirement is timing: you need to give at least 10 working days' notice, or you may lose your test fee.

Rescheduling is different from cancelling. If you reschedule, you keep your fee and move to a new date. If you cancel without rescheduling, you forfeit the fee unless you have a valid reason the DVA accepts (such as serious illness or bereavement). Most people who need to move their test should reschedule rather than cancel.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the DVA at least 10 working days before your test date to reschedule; weekends and bank holidays do not count toward the 10 days.
  • You can reschedule online through the DVA's booking system, by phone on 0300 200 7861, or by post to the test centre that issued your appointment letter.
  • If you reschedule, your test fee stays with you; if you cancel without rescheduling, you lose the fee unless the DVA accepts your reason as valid.
  • The DVA will not reschedule if you contact them fewer than 10 working days before your test; you will need to cancel and rebook, which costs a new fee.
  • If you miss your test without contacting the DVA beforehand, you forfeit your fee and must book and pay for a new test.

How to Reschedule Online

The DVA's online booking system is the fastest way to reschedule. Log in to the DVA's website using your process reference number and password. Navigate to your booked test and select the option to reschedule or change the date. The system will show you available test dates at your chosen test centre or at other centres in Northern Ireland. Select your new date, confirm the change, and you will receive an email confirmation.

Online rescheduling works only if you have at least 10 working days left before your current test date. If you are within the 10-day window, the online system will not allow you to reschedule and will direct you to phone or post instead. Keep your confirmation email and your new appointment letter for your records.

Rescheduling by Phone or Post

If you cannot reschedule online, call the DVA on 0300 200 7861. Have your process reference number, driving licence number, and current test appointment details ready. The DVA staff member will check your 10-day notice period and offer you available dates. Once you confirm a new date, you will receive a new appointment letter by post within 5 to 7 working days.

If you prefer to reschedule by post, write to the test centre listed on your appointment letter. Include your name, process reference number, current test date, and your requested new date. Post your letter at least 10 working days before your test. The DVA will confirm your new date by post, but this method is slower and leaves less room for error, so phone or online is usually better.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day important date

If you contact the DVA fewer than 10 working days before your test, you cannot reschedule. You will have to cancel your current test (and lose your fee) and book a new test from scratch, which means paying the full test fee again. This is why the 10-day rule matters: missing it costs you money.

The only exception is if the DVA itself cancels your test — for example, if the test centre closes due to weather or a building issue. In that case, the DVA will reschedule you at no cost and will contact you with your new date.

Reasons the DVA May Accept for a Fee Refund

If you cancel your test (rather than reschedule), the DVA will refund your fee only if you have a valid reason. Valid reasons include serious illness or injury that prevents you from driving, bereavement of a close family member, or a significant change in your personal circumstances that makes it impossible to take the test on that date.

You must provide evidence of your reason — a doctor's letter for illness, a death certificate for bereavement, or a written explanation for other circumstances. Send this evidence to the test centre with a written request for a refund. The DVA will review your request and decide whether to refund your fee. This process takes several weeks, so do not expect a quick decision.

Missing Your Test Without Notice

If you do not show up for your test and have not contacted the DVA beforehand, you will forfeit your test fee. The DVA will not refund you or reschedule you automatically. You will have to book and pay for a new test as if you were booking for the first time.

If you realise on the day of your test that you cannot attend, contact the test centre when ready. Calling ahead, even on the morning of your test, is better than not showing up. The DVA may still cancel your fee, but you will have a better chance of explaining your situation and requesting a refund or reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do weekends and bank holidays count toward the 10 working days?

No. Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays in Northern Ireland. If your test is on a Thursday and you contact the DVA on the previous Monday, that is only 3 working days, not enough to reschedule. You must count back to include at least 10 weekdays.

Can I reschedule my test more than once?

Yes, you can reschedule multiple times as long as you give 10 working days' notice each time. However, the DVA may question repeated rescheduling and may ask you to provide a reason. If you reschedule many times without taking the test, the DVA may cancel your process.

What if I reschedule but then need to cancel?

Contact the DVA again with at least 10 working days' notice before your new test date. If you cancel without rescheduling, you lose your fee unless the DVA accepts your reason. If you reschedule again instead of cancelling, you keep your fee and move to another date.

Will rescheduling change my test centre?

No, unless you request it. When you reschedule, the DVA will offer you new dates at your original test centre first. You can ask to reschedule at a different centre if you prefer, and the DVA will show you available dates there, but you do not have to.

How long after rescheduling will I receive my new appointment letter?

If you reschedule online, you will see your new date when ready and receive an email confirmation. If you reschedule by phone or post, expect your new appointment letter within 5 to 7 working days. Do not assume your reschedule is confirmed until you receive the letter.