The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed a series of significant rule changes for motorists, set to take effect from May 2026. These changes are part of an ongoing overhaul of the driving test system, aimed at reducing lengthy waiting times and tackling the issue of third-party booking bots.
Background to the Changes
The DVSA, responsible for road safety in the UK, has been working to address the backlog of driving tests that accumulated during the Covid-19 pandemic. As of September 2025, the average waiting time for a driving test stood at 22 weeks, compared to just five weeks in early 2020. This delay prompted the National Audit Office to warn that nearly one in three learners were booking tests through third-party websites, often using automated bots, leading to inflated prices of up to £500, far exceeding the standard £62 fee.
Key Rule Changes
From March 31, 2026, learner drivers were limited to only two changes to their test date, down from the previous six. Further changes are being introduced in May and June 2026:
- From May 12, 2026: Learner drivers must book their own tests. Driving instructors will no longer be permitted to book tests on behalf of learners.
- From May 12, 2026: Instructors are prohibited from managing test bookings. Only the learner can handle bookings.
- From June 9, 2026: Learners can only move their test to the three nearest test centres.
Advice for Learners
The DVSA has issued clear guidance: "From 12 May 2026, it will be against the law to book or change a driving test for someone else." Learners are advised to speak with their instructor before booking to confirm readiness and obtain the instructor's reference number. When booking, learners should only book at a test centre they intend to use, choose a realistic test date, and use their instructor's reference number. From May 12, 2026, learners must confirm they are the test taker and agree to new terms and conditions.
Managing Changes
Learners can make up to two changes to their booking, including changing the date, time, test centre, or swapping with another learner. Changes that do not count toward the limit include updating contact details, adding or removing an instructor's reference number, or changes made by the DVSA due to circumstances like bad weather. If the DVSA changes the test, learners will be reset to having two changes available again, but these must be made by phone. After using both changes, learners must cancel and rebook, receiving a full refund if cancelled at least 10 working days before the test.
Helping Others
The DVSA confirms that friends, family, or support workers can still help a learner book and manage their test, provided the learner is present and completes as many steps as possible. The helper should use the learner's own email and phone number.
