The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has cancelled nearly 500 driving tests since June 9 after detecting bookings that violated its terms and conditions. The agency stated it cancelled 450 tests and placed 4,034 online booking suspensions as part of a tougher stance against misuse.
New Rules to Protect Learners
These actions follow several changes implemented in spring 2026 to create a fairer driving test booking system. The reforms include limits on test amendments, requiring learners to book their own tests, and restricting test locations. The DVSA aims to protect learner drivers from exploitation and make it easier to identify rule-breaking.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: "Learners should focus on getting test-ready, not fighting an unfair booking system or paying over the odds to third-party touts. DVSA's action to cancel dodgy tests sends a clear message that attempts to exploit learner drivers will not be tolerated."
Beverley Warmington, DVSA Chief Executive, added: "We promised to make the driving test booking system fairer, and we have kept that promise. These reforms ensure tests go to genuine learners, not those who profit from exploiting them. We will keep monitoring and acting against anyone who tries to circumvent the system."
Enforcement and Additional Capacity
The DVSA is also reporting evidence of test reselling on social media and mobile apps, leading to 17 apps being removed from popular stores and social media accounts shut down. Between June 2025 and May 2026, the DVSA delivered over 240,000 additional driving tests compared to the previous year, supported by the highest number of driving examiners in years.
Key Changes in 2026
- March 31: Learner drivers are limited to two changes per booking.
- May 12: Only the learner driver can book, change, swap, or cancel their own car driving test. Unofficial apps, bots, or automated services are prohibited.
- June 9: Learners may only move their test to one of the three nearest test centres to their current booking location.
Unofficial apps and booking services pose risks to personal data. Where DVSA finds evidence of breaches, it may contact the learner, issue warnings, restrict online booking, cancel tests, or consider legal action. Affected learners received a full refund and were asked to call DVSA to arrange a new booking.
