New flexible approach to handling test cancellations from April 1

DVSA will introduce a more flexible approach to the way it handles short notice cancellation of tests by candidates from April 1, 2014. No, it’s not an April Fool’s prank.

At the moment, candidates automatically lose their fee if they cancel or change their test without giving DVSA three clear working days’ notice.

From 1 April, candidates will be able to ask for a rebooking at short notice with no charge if they can’t take their test because of:

• a medically certified illness
• a bereavement
• school exams

DVSA will also continue to offer a refund or new test date to serving members of the armed forces who are called for duty.

Presumably rebookings will be accommodated within either a buffer time allocated by DVSA, or during other cancelled appointments.

Surely school exams would be known for a long time in advance, so possible explanations for this new-found leniency are that DVSA expects long waiting times at some test centres.