Photo: Sinitta Leunen / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
If you fail your driving test in Great Britain, you can book another one straight away, but the new date must be at least 10 working days away and you pay the full fee again (£62 weekdays or £75 evenings, weekends and bank holidays, as of November 2026). The result itself cannot be changed, even on appeal. This guide covers what happens at the end of the test, how to rebook, when a complaint or appeal is worth it, and how to turn the faults into a plan.
Key facts
- You fail with 16 or more driving faults, or any serious or dangerous fault.
- The examiner tells you what faults you made at the end of the test.
- Your retest must be at least 10 working days away. The rule is still 10 working days as of November 2026.
- Your theory test pass still counts, as long as it is within its 2 years.
- A complaint or appeal can win a refund or free retest, never a pass.
Straight after the test: get the details
When the examiner tells you the result, they go through the faults you made. Listen for three things and write them down before you leave:
- Each serious or dangerous fault, and where on the route it happened.
- Any driving fault that came up more than once. Repeated driving faults can become a serious fault.
- The skill area for each fault, such as observation at junctions, use of mirrors or response to signs.
Then talk it through with your instructor while it is fresh. Our guide to driving, serious and dangerous faults explains how each fault type is judged.
How to rebook your driving test
- Go to the GOV.UK driving test booking service. Since 12 May 2026 you must book it yourself; your instructor cannot book it for you.
- Have your driving licence number and theory test pass certificate number ready.
- Choose a date at least 10 working days away. Monday to Saturday count as working days.
- Pay the fee again: £62 weekdays, £75 evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- Check your theory pass will still be valid on the new date. If it runs out, you must pass the theory test again first.
Want a date sooner than the first one offered? Check for cancellations yourself. See how to find an earlier test legally.
Can you appeal a failed driving test?
Only on a narrow ground: you must be able to show the examiner did not follow the law when carrying out your test. Disagreeing with the examiner’s judgement about your driving is not enough.
| Step | What happens | Possible outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Complain to DVSA | Explain how the test was not carried out properly. | If DVSA agrees: possible refund or free retest. The result stands. |
| 2. Appeal to a court | If DVSA disagrees, you may be able to appeal to a court. Get legal advice on which court handles it where you live. | If you win: possible refund or free retest. The result still stands. |
Time limits: within 6 months of your test in England and Wales, or 21 days in Scotland. You might have to pay significant legal costs if the appeal fails, so for most people rebooking is quicker and cheaper.
If your test was cancelled or stopped by DVSA, different rules apply. See when a driving test is cancelled or goes wrong.
Build a fix plan before the retest
| Fault you got | What to do in your next lessons |
|---|---|
| Serious fault in one place (for example a missed mirror check before turning) | Drill that exact situation on several different roads until it is automatic. |
| Same driving fault many times | Treat it as a habit problem. Ask your instructor to call it out every time. |
| Manoeuvre fault | Practise the manoeuvre in new places, not just the one you know. |
| Nerves caused mistakes | Do full mock tests on unfamiliar routes, with your instructor silent. |
Run at least one full mock before the retest. Our guide to running a mock driving test shows how, and the top reasons people fail covers the usual weak spots.
Common questions
How soon can I retake my driving test after failing?
The earliest new date is 10 working days after your test. How soon you actually get a slot depends on availability at your chosen centre.
Do I have to retake the theory test after failing the practical?
No, unless your theory pass certificate expires before your next practical test. It lasts 2 years from the date you passed.
Can I get my money back if I fail?
No. A refund or free retest is only possible if DVSA, or a court, finds the test was not carried out according to the law.
Is the 10 working day rule changing to 28 days?
A longer gap has been reported in the press, but GOV.UK still says at least 10 working days as of November 2026.
Will failing affect my insurance?
Failing does not change your learner status. If you have a learner policy, check its end date covers you until the retest.
Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “Driving test faults and your result” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Book your driving test” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Driving test: cost” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Change your driving test appointment” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: pass mark and result” (gov.uk)