The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is implementing a new rule change on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, that will affect millions of learner drivers across the UK. The final phase of booking restrictions limits where candidates can transfer their practical driving tests, aiming to combat exploitation of the system.
What is changing?
From June 9, learners can only move their test to one of the three nearest driving test centres. This measure is designed to deter 'placeholder' bookings where slots are reserved and repeatedly relocated, which has caused backlogs and delays for genuine candidates.
A statement on Gov.uk explains: 'From June 9, 2026, further restrictions will come into force, limiting learners to moving their test only to one of the three nearest driving test centres. This will help to deter bookings at locations where learners do not intend to take their test.'
Phased implementation
The DVSA has rolled out changes in stages:
- March 31: Learners restricted to only two changes to a driving test booking (down from six).
- May 12: Only the learner can book and manage their test; instructors and third parties are barred.
- June 9: Test location moves limited to one of the three nearest centres.
There are approximately 3.7 million learner drivers in the UK, with average waiting times of 22 to 24 weeks. The DVSA aims to reduce these further by cracking down on unofficial third-party booking services that resell tests at inflated prices.
Official comments
Beverley Warmington, DVSA Chief Executive, stated: 'Our priority is to stop learners being exploited by third parties, put them in control of their driving test and make the process fairer by clamping down on businesses that resell tests at inflated prices. These new measures help bring a halt to a system where the use of bots and third parties increases the amount some learners pay for a test and blocks test availability for many others.'
She added: 'We're determined to reduce waiting times further, building on the more than 158,000 additional tests delivered between June 2025 and March 2026, supported by driving examiner numbers at their highest level since 2018 and the recent deployment of military driving examiners.'
Expert warnings
Jonathan Such, head of sales and marketing at First Response Finance, cautioned that 'panic booking' could leave learners at the back of the queue. With only two amendments allowed, there is minimal flexibility to treat a booking as a temporary placeholder.
'One of the biggest mistakes learner drivers can make now is booking a test too early just because they've seen a slot become available,' Such said. 'If your instructor still thinks you need more practice on roundabouts, manoeuvres, or busier roads, booking too soon could leave you using up your changes before test day even arrives.'
He also emphasised choosing the right test centre from the start, as the June 9 rule restricts relocations to the three nearest centres. Learners should be realistic about where they feel confident and whether their instructor operates in that area.
Advice for learners
The DVSA changes serve as a reminder to use official channels. Candidates are encouraged to take charge of their bookings, keep their account details secure, and avoid unofficial operators offering fast-track options. The safest approach is to prepare thoroughly and make informed decisions.
