When DVSA Cancels a Driving Test
What Can You Actually Claim?
If the DVSA cancels a driving test at short notice, you may be able to claim back some of your out-of-pocket expenses.
This page explains exactly what that means, what can be claimed, and where the limits are.
All information was correct at the time of publishing.
What counts as “short notice”?
You can only claim if the DVSA cancels your test with less than 3 clear working days’ notice.
- Sundays and public holidays do not count as working days
- The day you are told and the test day are not included
If the cancellation is outside of this window, you will not be able to claim.
What you CAN claim
The DVSA allows claims for direct, provable expenses linked to attending the test.
1. Lost earnings
If you took unpaid time off work to attend the test:
- You can usually claim up to half a day’s net earnings
- This must be after tax and National Insurance
You’ll need:
- Evidence from your employer or proof of income
2. Instructor or vehicle cost
If you were using a driving instructor’s car:
- The claim is based on the instructor’s standard hourly lesson rate
- Not a separate “test fee”
For car driving tests:
- The DVSA typically allows up to 2 hours
You’ll need:
- Confirmation of the instructor’s hourly rate (receipt or written confirmation)
3. Travel costs
You can claim reasonable travel expenses to and from the test centre.
This may include:
- Public transport (ticket cost)
- Mileage if using your own car (reasonable distance only)
You’ll need:
- Tickets, receipts, or mileage details
4. Car hire (if not using an instructor)
If you hired a vehicle:
- The claim is limited to up to 2 hours of a typical driving lesson cost
- Not the full hire charge
This means:
- Flat hire fees and extras are not covered
5. Other direct expenses
You may be able to claim for other costs, such as:
- Parking
- Additional travel linked to the test
These must be:
- Directly related to attending the test
- Supported by receipts showing date and time
What you CANNOT claim
The DVSA scheme is limited to out-of-pocket expenses only.
You cannot claim for:
- Driving lessons taken before the test
- Extra lessons needed after the cancellation
- Training courses booked for that date
- Lost profit, overtime, or commission
- Time beyond the usual half-day allowance
- General inconvenience or disruption
When you cannot claim at all
You will not be able to claim if the cancellation was due to:
- Bad weather or poor light
- Problems with the vehicle
- Issues with the candidate (for example illness)
Time limit to claim
You must submit your claim within 6 months of the cancelled test date.
The key takeaway
The DVSA scheme is designed to cover:
Direct, evidence-based expenses linked to the cancelled test
It does not cover wider impacts such as disruption, delays, or ongoing costs.
Need help?
You can also find the official DVSA guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-refunding-out-of-pocket-expenses
Posted by Chris Bensted
March 20, 2026
