If I miss my driving test, do I lose an attempt?

If you do not attend the practical test, the absence is not recorded as a failure and does not use up an attempt under the Portal’s instructions. You must, however, book another test before your learner’s permit expires.

An absence, cancellation and failure are different

If you know you cannot attend, notify the UMC or driving school as soon as possible using the contact method in your appointment notice. An absence is not necessarily the same as taking and failing a test, but cancellation and no-show rules may depend on the procedure and local arrangements. Do not rely on general advice: ask whether the appointment can be cancelled and how this affects the number of tests available on your application.

Keep a copy of your message, the office’s reply and any supporting evidence. If the test is scheduled for the same day, call the official number and then send a message through a trackable channel so there is a record of your request. Do not send medical or personal data through unofficial channels. If the Motorization Office says the session has been cancelled or postponed, ask for written confirmation that the attempt will not be used and for the new date.

How to rebook

After notifying them, check your learner’s permit expiry date, remaining attempts and booking procedure. For category B, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) publishes a time window for practical tests, but available sessions vary by location. Ask whether you need to submit another PagoPA payment receipt, update a certificate, confirm certified driving lessons or pay for a new service. If a driving school booked the test, ask whether the school must contact the office or whether you also need to contact the UMC.

If illness or another documented impediment caused your absence, ask what evidence is accepted and when to submit it; do not assume a certificate automatically cancels the appointment. Once you receive a new date, add it to your calendar and plan how to arrive on time. The practical test may require a vehicle supplied by the school or one that meets ministerial requirements. Sort out the paperwork promptly so you know your file is complete before the next test date.

What to do now

• Use the official contact details in your appointment notice.
• Ask specifically how the absence affects your attempts and expiry date.
• Keep confirmations and documents relating to the reason you could not attend.

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