Woken up to white skies and immediately wondered, “Will my driving test be cancelled due to snow?” It’s one of the most common worries learners can have in winter, with the added pressure of snow and ice being the last thing you want on your test.
This article explains exactly what to do if snow threatens, how to check if your test will happen, and how to prepare if your test goes ahead during snowy conditions.
What happens if it snows on your driving test?
The DVSA will assess the road conditions on the day, considering factors including:
- Have local roads been gritted?
- Has there been heavy snowfall, or is it expected shortly?
- Could icy conditions unfairly impact the test?
- Is visibility poor due to falling snow?
- Is it safe for the examiner and learner to be out on the road?
If they decide from this that it isn’t possible to conduct a test safely or fairly, it will be cancelled.
Do driving tests get cancelled in snow?
Yes, driving tests can be cancelled in the snow, but it usually takes more than a light dusting. Many learners assume that because they see snow on the weather forecast, their test will be automatically cancelled; however, in reality, tests only tend to be called off in severe weather, such as heavy snowfall or widespread ice.
How can I find out if my driving test is still going ahead?
In the case of bad adverse weather, you should always check if your test is still going ahead.
Give the test centre a call, ideally one or two hours before your scheduled timeslot if your test is in the morning. For afternoon tests, try to call as close to the time as possible, as the weather can be unpredictable and any snow or ice may have cleared by the time of your test. Your test centre’s number should be on your test confirmation email, but, in case you need it, here’s a full list of all the UK driving test phone numbers.
If, for whatever reason, you can’t get through to the test centre, you must prepare for the eventuality that you will still be taking your test. Make your way to the centre, giving yourself plenty of time to get there. Your test might still be happening, and failing to show up could mean you lose your fee.
Whether you are taking driving lessons in Swindon, Brighton, or up in Scotland, no matter how well you know a test centre, never assume your test will be cancelled. Always check.
Preparing for the possibility of snow on your driving test in the winter months
If possible, practise driving in ice and snow with your instructor before your test, even on the way to the test centre, so that you feel comfortable with it under the pressure of the test itself. The extra preparation may calm your nerves on the day.
During winter, it’s often better to book an afternoon test, so snow has time to clear, and any ice can melt as the day goes on. However, weather conditions can change quickly, so be prepared for your driving test to be cancelled if the weather is truly adverse.
Here’s a top driving test tip from one of our driving instructors in Leicester:
“I usually encourage all pupils who are booking a test from December to mid-February to book an afternoon test. If there is ice on the roads (especially near the test centre), then there is a high chance the early morning test will be cancelled. By the afternoon, this would have usually thawed out, increasing the chances of tests going ahead from lunchtime onwards.” – Paul Reilly, driveJohnson’s driving instructor
What happens if your driving test is cancelled due to weather?
After weeks and months of preparation, it can be very disappointing to have your test cancelled. However, the decision will not have been taken lightly. It would have been either unsafe or unfair for you to go ahead, and these would not have been good circumstances for your test.
The DVSA will automatically protect your test fee and book you in for the next available date. You will be sent details of your next driving test date in 3-7 working days. You can change the test date if it does not work for you.
In the meantime, whilst you wait for the new date to come around, continue practising your skills and take this as an opportunity to fine-tune your driving before your next test day.
Can I claim for any costs if my driving test is cancelled due to snow?
Though you can claim expenses for a cancelled test in some circumstances, such as your examiner being unwell, you cannot claim due to snow or other adverse weather. This is because the weather is out of the driving test centre’s hands.
What you should know if your driving test isn’t cancelled because of snow
If your driving test isn’t cancelled due to snow, focus on your confidence. Here are some pointers to bear in mind:
- You will have to prepare yourself mentally for the road conditions. Try to see your driving test now as an opportunity to practise driving in the snow, and prove to both the examiner and yourself that you can drive well in adverse weather conditions too. Practise on the way to the test centre with your instructor so that it feels fresh in your mind.
- Don’t assume that you won’t have to do some things due to snow or ice. Your examiner won’t make any changes to the test format. For example, you will still have a chance of being asked to make an emergency stop. Be prepared for all eventualities just as you would if your test were in good weather!
- Have faith in your examiner’s judgement. They will have checked your test route and deemed it safe to go forward with the test. They will want you to pass safely and will never put you (or themselves!) at risk.
These small mental adjustments can make a big difference on the day of your test.
Key takeaways to remember about driving tests in the snow
Feeling anxious when snow is forecast for your test is completely understandable. The key to staying confident, whatever the winter weather, is knowing what to expect, staying in touch with the test centre, and preparing for driving in winter conditions in advance. The right guidance from an instructor can make all the difference, and our driving instructors will work hard to help you feel fully prepared, whether you are taking driving lessons in Slough, Southend, or anywhere else across the UK.
Written by Anthony Johnson
Grade A - 51/51
ORDIT Registered Trainer
