Significant changes to the British driving test came into effect on Monday, 24 November 2025, placing a greater emphasis on preparing new drivers for the challenges of high-speed roads.
Key Changes to the Practical Test
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced a series of new measures designed to better reflect real-world driving conditions. The most notable adjustment requires candidates to spend a longer portion of their test on faster roads, a move aimed directly at improving safety for young motorists.
This reform follows a five-month trial earlier this year across 20 test centres. The decision is backed by sobering statistics: a House of Commons Library briefing shows that nearly half (48 per cent) of crashes involving car drivers aged 17 to 24 that resulted in a death or serious injury between 2019 and 2023 occurred on rural roads. This compares to 42 per cent for drivers outside that age range.
Official Statements on Road Safety
Roads Minister Simon Lightwood stated, “We’re doing all we can to make our roads safer. By focusing more tests on higher speed roads we’re tackling one of the biggest risks for young motorists, helping to reduce collisions and save lives.”
Echoing this sentiment, Amanda Lane, DVSA Head of Driver Testing and Driver Training Policy, commented, “High speed roads, particularly those in rural areas, are among the most treacherous for novice drivers. To keep all road users safe, it’s crucial that the practical driving test assesses learners on the skills required to drive in the real world.”
Additional Test Modifications and Backlog Concerns
Other important modifications to the test include:
- Reducing the number of required stops from four to three.
- Decreasing the frequency of emergency stops from one in three tests to one in seven.
- Granting examiners the flexibility to extend the independent driving section to between 20 minutes and the full test duration.
The DVSA explained that fewer stops will allow for more varied test routes, covering a greater distance and more types of roads. The agency has confirmed that these changes will not affect the length of the test or the number of available slots.
This is crucial as the UK faces a major driving test backlog. As of the end of October, 642,000 learner drivers had a future test booking. Last month, 182,000 tests were conducted, a 9 per cent increase from October 2024. To combat the backlog, Transport Secretary Heidi announced the mobilisation of military driving examiners to test civilians, alongside measures to prevent test reselling for profit.
