The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has implemented new driving test booking regulations aimed at reducing the significant backlog that has resulted in some learners waiting an average of five months for their exam. The changes, effective from June 9, are designed to prevent automated bots from bulk-buying tests and reselling them at inflated prices, which has driven up both waiting times and costs.
New Geographical Restrictions
Under the updated rules, learners can only change their test to one of the three closest test centres to the original booking location. This measure aims to stop candidates from booking tests at distant centres and later switching to more convenient ones, a practice that has contributed to the backlog. The DVSA reported that last year, 64,500 booked tests were unattended, wasting examiners' time.
Driving Instructor's Perspective
Aman Sanghera, owner of Clearview Driving in West London, explained the benefits of the new rules in a TikTok video. She stated, "Today's change means when your test is booked at a certain centre, you are geographically locked to that location. Previously, people booked random centres and swapped to popular ones, enabling the sale of tests. This change will reduce failures from unfamiliar test routes, increase pass rates, and lower waiting times. The 64,000 no-shows will no longer be wasted opportunities."
Industry Reactions
Beverley Warmington, DVSA chief executive, said, "The location restrictions will deter bookings where learners do not intend to take their test. We are determined to reduce waiting times further." However, Carly Brookfield, chief executive of the Driving Instructors Association, expressed skepticism, stating, "The industry doesn't have great confidence that these measures will fix the booking system problem."
Current Waiting Times
According to DVSA data for April 2026, the average wait time for a driving test in England is 22.7 weeks, in Scotland 22.9 weeks, and in Wales 17.3 weeks. The new rules are expected to help bring these numbers down.
