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The DTC
Aligned with the official DVSA swap process

How DTC Test Swap works

Create your listing, review a proposed match, agree together, then complete the official DVSA swap by phone. DTC handles the matching and notifications — you never contact another learner directly.

Find a swapBack to DTC Test Swap home

Step by step

The swap process

Seven straightforward steps from adding your test to completing the official DVSA swap. You control every decision; DTC never changes your DVSA booking for you.

1

Create your listing

Enter your current test centre, date, time, test type and what you would consider swapping to. DTC only needs the minimum details to find a compatible match. We do not collect your driving licence number, theory certificate number, home address, card details or GOV.UK login.

2

DTC finds compatible matches

Our system checks DVSA rules before proposing a match: same test type, compatible centre rules, and at least 10 full working days notice. Matches are scored by compatibility.

3

Review the proposed match

When a compatible learner is found, DTC sends you an SMS alert and a backup email. You review the proposed match in your private match room and choose to accept or decline within 2 business days.

4

Both learners accept

When both learners accept, the match is agreed. One learner volunteers to make the DVSA call. Both learners must be available at the same time.

5

Share booking references securely

Both learners consent to share their DVSA booking references. References are encrypted and only revealed once both sides have confirmed. You never share references outside of DTC Test Swap.

6

Complete the official DVSA swap

The volunteer calls DVSA customer services on 0300 200 1122. DVSA calls the other learner on their registered mobile for security checks. DVSA completes the official swap — DTC does not change your booking for you.

7

Mark the swap complete

Once DVSA has confirmed the swap, either learner marks the match complete in DTC Test Swap. Both listings are closed and removed from the matching pool.

What you will need

  • A confirmed DVSA practical car driving test appointment
  • Your test centre name, date and time
  • A UK mobile number for SMS match alerts
  • Your DVSA booking reference (needed when you agree a swap)
  • Both learners available at the same time for the DVSA call

Need the full centre list?

Browse every DVSA test centre, check pass rates and see active swap listings in your area.

Browse test centres

Privacy built in

  • No driving licence number or theory certificate number is collected.
  • No home address, payment card details or GOV.UK login details are collected.
  • Booking references are encrypted and only shared after both learners consent.
  • Learners cannot message each other directly.

Important to know

  • The DTC is not the DVSA and does not change appointments directly.
  • Both learners must be available at the same time for the DVSA call.
  • The appointments must be the same DVSA test category, including weekday, premium-time, extra-time and extended-test categories.
  • Never share DVSA login credentials with another user.
Read the official DVSA guidance

Ready to find a swap?

Add your current test details and let DTC find compatible learners near you.

Find a swap

Common questions

Who can use The DTC Test Swap?
Any eligible learner with a confirmed DVSA practical car driving test appointment in Great Britain. Northern Ireland uses the DVA, and matching there is not currently available.
Does it cost anything?
No. Listing your test slot and finding a match is free. The DTC Test Swap has no subscription, success fee or admin fee.
Can I message the other learner?
No. DTC Test Swap does not allow direct learner-to-learner contact. You review matches and accept or decline through your private match room.
How long does a swap take?
Timing depends on another learner listing the exact compatible slot you need. If a match appears, both learners have 2 business days to respond. DVSA phone waiting and processing times can vary.
What details do I share with the other learner?
You do not share details directly. DTC shows each learner the test centre, date and time of the proposed swap. DVSA booking references are shared only after both learners consent, and the actual reference handover happens through DTC's encrypted match room.
What happens after we both accept?
One learner volunteers to call DVSA. Both learners consent to share their booking references. The caller rings DVSA customer services and DVSA calls the other learner for security checks. The official swap is completed by DVSA.
Can I cancel a match request?
Yes, until both sides have confirmed. After both accept, you can still decline before the DVSA call. Your original test slot remains yours until DVSA actually changes your booking.