Changes to the UK driving test from spring 2026

New rules for booking a test

If you're a learner driver and looking to book your driving test in the near future, be aware, things for you and driving instructors booking tests on your behalf is about to change from March 31st this year.  The new rules, which will be rolled out at different times, but over late spring, include only being able to change the test twice.  Not have instructors doing it for you.  And only allowing you to rearrange tests in areas close to where you are.

What's changing on March 31st?

Last year, the DVSA had an open public consultation on what to do about the backlog on driving tests and received 102,000 responses.  There were a lot of angry instructors who felt disillusioned about the DVSA's efforts and asked for radical change to fix the diabolical problem all learners face. 

From March 31st, learners and instructors will only be able to switch tests twice.  Currently it's 6 times.  A “change” includes moving the date, changing the time, switching to a different test centre, or swapping your appointment with another learner who already has a test booked. 

Once you've used both changes, you can cancel and rebook, so it's not as bad as it seems.   The same 10 working day cancellation period still exists, so if you want to keep your £62 booking fee, so plan ahead.  In April 2025, it was changed from 3 days.  This as an early part of the government's 6 point plan to solve the issue. 

What's changing in late spring?

We're still unsure as to what date late spring speaks of, but in a month or so only the learner driver themselves will be able to book and manage their practical car test through the GOV.UK booking service.  This is what the DVSA recommends doing.

You should:

• only book at a test centre you intend to use - you will only be able to move your test to nearby centres
• only book when your driving instructor says you’re ready - speak to your driving instructor first
• use your driving instructor’s reference number when you book - this will make sure your instructor does not get double-booked
• choose a date you realistically expect to be ready by - you will only be allowed to make 2 changes to your appointment

No more switching all over the country

Currently it's so difficult to get a test anywhere, people are booking tests in far away places, then switching whenever they can using the handy and efficient test swapping apps.  This wont be happening much longer. 

I also receive a number of inquires each week from people around the country who have booked a test in Bristol and plan to come here for a few hours to just take the test.  Their plan is to arrive at the train station, get picked up, drive to the test centre and take the exam in my car.  That's not going to happen.  No instructor is going to do that.  So this will hopefully stop and free up tests at your local test centre for locals.

From "late spring", you’ll only be able to move your test to centres near where you originally booked.

Here's a simplified image of what's happening below.