The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has implemented a new rule effective today, restricting how far motorists can move their practical driving test bookings. This is the latest measure to combat abuse of the system and free up slots for genuine learners.
New restrictions on test moves
From today, drivers can only transfer their test to one of the three nearest test centres to where their appointment is currently booked. The DVSA announced: "Changes to the driving test booking rules come into force today. You can only move your test to one of the 3 nearest centres to where it's currently booked. That's all 3 promised changes delivered."
Part of a reform package
This restriction is the final stage of a series of reforms aimed at addressing long waiting times and preventing bots, cancellation-finding apps, and third-party operators from hoarding appointments. Learner drivers across Britain continue to face lengthy waits for practical tests, with many centres booked months in advance due to a backlog from the pandemic.
The DVSA has repeatedly warned that unofficial booking services and resellers have been exploiting the system by snapping up test appointments and selling them to desperate learners. Under the new rules, motorists are urged to book a test only at a centre they genuinely intend to use, as they can no longer move appointments freely around the country.
Earlier changes this year
The latest change follows two other major rule changes introduced earlier this year. Since March 31, learners have been limited to making only two changes to a booking, down from a previous limit of six. Since May 12, only learner drivers themselves can book and manage driving tests; driving instructors can no longer make bookings, changes, cancellations, or swaps on behalf of pupils.
The DVSA has also banned the use of unofficial services that scan the booking system for cancellations and earlier appointments.
Enforcement and warnings
The DVSA warns that anyone found breaking the terms and conditions could have their online access suspended or their booking cancelled. Learners must confirm they are the person taking the test and agree to a set of terms and conditions when making a booking. "It's against the law to book a driving test for someone else," the DVSA said.
Officials hope the reforms will make the booking system fairer and improve access for genuine learners struggling to secure appointments.
Example of how the new rule works
Under the new rules, a learner who books a test in Chesterfield can only move it to one of the three nearest centres: Sheffield (Handsworth), Ashfield, or Sheffield (Middlewood Road). If they then move the booking to Sheffield (Handsworth), their final permitted change can only be made to one of the three nearest centres to that location, or back to the original test centre. The changes apply to England, Scotland, and Wales and affect car driving tests only.
