Guides › Buying a Car › Driving Test Cancelled by DVSA: Claiming Expenses
Driving Test Cancelled by DVSA: Claiming Expenses
If DVSA cancels your driving test with less than 3 full working days' notice, you can claim some expenses: up to half a day's pay if you took unpaid leave, up to £76 for a hire car, or 25p a mile in your own car. You cannot claim if the test was cancelled for bad weather. Apply within 6 months.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Claiming Expenses
What You Can Claim
'Short notice' means less than 3 full working days (Monday to Saturday, not Sundays or bank holidays). DVSA will refund up to half a day of your standard take-home pay if you took unpaid leave; up to £76 for a hire vehicle; or 25p per mile if you used your own vehicle. You cannot claim if DVSA cancelled because of bad weather. Apply within 6 months of the cancelled test. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 6 monthsClaim expensesFrom the cancelled test date
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the notice you were given was less than 3 full working days.
Step 2 of 5
Gather evidence: payslip or employer letter, hire receipt, or mileage.
Step 3 of 5
Apply on GOV.UK within 6 months.
Step 4 of 5
Use only GOV.UK to book or change tests.
Step 5 of 5
If unhappy with the outcome, complain to DVSA.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
DVSA
Apply for expenses here within 6 months.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Copycat websites charge extra to book tests: use GOV.UK.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/guidance/claim-expenses-if-dvsa-cancelled-your-driving-test Checked 13 October 2026