Sevenoaks Driving Test Swap: my free website for swapping test dates

Getting a driving test at Sevenoaks isn't easy. And quite often, two learners have exactly the opposite problem: one is ready sooner than their test date, and another has a test coming up before they're ready. A swap helps both of them.

The hard part has always been finding each other. So I built a free website to do exactly that: Sevenoaks Driving Test Swap (opens in a new tab).

Why I built it

Learners have always swapped test dates, and for years instructors often helped by putting two pupils in touch. That changed in 2026. Since 12 May 2026, only the learner can book, change, swap or cancel their own test. Instructors can't do it for you, and nor can any other service. A swap now has to be arranged by the two learners themselves, by phone with DVSA.

That's a fair rule, but it left learners with no easy way to find someone to swap with. I didn't want my pupils, or anyone else with a Sevenoaks test, to be stuck with a date that didn't suit them just because they couldn't find the right person. So I built a site that introduces learners to each other, and then leaves every booking decision with them and DVSA.

It's free, and it will stay free. "There is no cost to use this service – not now, not ever."

How it works

1. Sign up. Give your name, email address, your test date and time, and the dates you'd like instead. The test centre is fixed to Sevenoaks. You'll confirm your email address before you can be matched.
2. Get matched. When someone wants your date and you want theirs, you both get an email. One of you picks a date, and the other has 48 hours to reply. Check with your instructor before you agree.
3. Agree on your private swap page. If you both say yes, you each get a private page showing the other learner's first name and test details, and their booking reference once you've both added it. You can message each other there, but messages with contact details, licence or card numbers, or links are blocked.
4. Phone DVSA on the same day. You each call DVSA on 0300 200 1122 (option 2), at least 10 full working days before the earlier of the two tests. DVSA checks both of you and both bookings, then swaps both tests, or neither.
5. Done. When DVSA has made the swap, press "DVSA has completed our swap", and your swap details are deleted.

The site introduces you. DVSA makes the swap.

Before you swap: the rules

DVSA has some rules that every swap has to meet, and knowing them saves disappointment:

• You each need one change left. You can make only two changes to a booking, and a swap counts as one. If either of you has used both, the swap can't happen.
• 10 full working days' notice. You need to phone DVSA at least 10 full working days before the earlier of the two tests.
• Same type of booking. A weekday test can only be swapped with another weekday test. Evening, weekend and bank holiday tests can only be swapped with the same type.
• You both phone. DVSA does the swap by phone, and you both have to take part in the security checks.
• Standard car tests only. The site is for standard car tests at Sevenoaks.

I explain these rules in more detail, including why a weekday booking gives you more people to swap with, in my guide on what to do after a failed test.

Common questions and worries

Is it run by DVSA?

No. Sevenoaks Driving Test Swap is independent. It isn't part of, endorsed by or affiliated with DVSA. It doesn't book, change or swap tests: it just helps two learners find each other. The swap itself is always done by you, with DVSA.

Is it allowed under the 2026 rules?

Yes. The rules say only the learner can change their own test, and swaps must be arranged by the learners themselves. The site doesn't do anything on your behalf. You make every decision, and you make the swap yourself by phone.

Could I lose my test?

No. Signing up can't change or cancel your booking. DVSA makes the swap only when both of you have phoned and passed its checks, and it swaps both tests or neither. If anything goes wrong, both tests stay as they were.

What details do you ask for, and who sees them?

Only your name, email address, test date and time, and the dates you'd like. The site never asks for your licence number, theory certificate number, address or payment details. The other learner sees your first name, your test details and, once you've added it, your booking reference, but never your email or phone number. Your details are never sold or passed on.

When your swap is complete, your swap details are deleted. Messages are kept for six months and backups for seven days, then they go too. The privacy notice on the site has the details.

Why haven't I been matched yet?

A match needs someone who wants your date at the same time as you want theirs, with the same type of booking and enough notice. That can take time, especially for evening and weekend tests, where there are fewer people to swap with. The more dates you're happy with, the better your chances. You can change your dates or stop at any time from the "Manage my swap" page.

Can my driving instructor do it for me?

No. Since May 2026, only the learner can change their own test. But do talk to your instructor before you agree to a swap, because they'll need to be free for the new date and time, and to be sure you'll be ready.

Should I ever pay for a swap?

No. Sevenoaks Driving Test Swap is free, and DVSA doesn't charge to swap tests. Never pay anyone who offers you a test or a swap for money. The only money you'll ever pay DVSA is the test fee itself: £62 for a weekday test, or £75 for an evening, weekend or bank holiday test. The site's test scams guide (opens in a new tab) explains the warning signs and where to report problems.

I'm a driving instructor. Can I tell my pupils about it?

Please do. The site has a page for instructors (opens in a new tab), with a ready-made message for pupils and a poster. It's there to help any learner with a Sevenoaks test, whoever they learn with.

Frequently asked questions

Finally…

If your Sevenoaks test date doesn't suit you, a swap might be the answer, and it costs nothing to look. Sign up, check with your instructor, and let the site do the searching for you.