How Driving Test Booking Is Changing for Learner Drivers

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced significant changes to how learner drivers book and manage their practical driving tests. These rules are being rolled out in stages from March to June 2026.

Why the Rules Changed

The DVSA is clamping down on bots and third-party firms that have been bulk-buying driving test slots and reselling them to learners for up to £500, far above the official fee of £62 to £75. With a backlog of nearly 670,000 learner drivers waiting for a test, these practices have made an already difficult situation significantly worse.

The changes are designed to ensure that test slots go directly to the learners who need them, rather than being hoarded by automated systems and resold at inflated prices.

Who Can Book Your Test Now

From 12 May 2026, only you, the learner driver, can book, change, or swap your driving test. Driving instructors, third-party apps, and resellers are no longer permitted to do this on your behalf. Tests that were already booked by instructors before this date are unaffected.

When booking, you must use your own email address or phone number for confirmations. Someone can sit with you and help you through the process, but you must be present and all notifications must go to your own contact details.

Limits on Changing Your Test

Since 31 March 2026, you can only make two changes to your driving test booking. This is a significant reduction from the previous limit of six. Each of the following counts as one change:

• Changing the date or time of your test
• Changing the test centre
• Swapping your appointment with another learner driver who already has a test booked

If you change more than one thing at the same time (for example, the date and the test centre together), this still counts as just one change.

What Does Not Count as a Change

Updating your address or contact details on your booking does not count towards your limit. Neither does adding or removing your driving instructor's reference number. If the DVSA needs to change your test (for example, due to bad weather), this does not count either, and your two changes will be reset.

If You Need More Than Two Changes

If you have used both of your changes and need to make another, you will have to cancel your test and book a new one. You will receive a full refund if you cancel at least 10 full working days before the test date.

Test Centre Restrictions

From 9 June 2026, if you want to move your test to a different location, you will only be able to choose from one of the three test centres nearest to your current booking, or move back to the centre you originally booked at. This is designed to stop learners booking tests at far-away centres simply to get an earlier slot.

If you already have a booking before 9 June 2026, the restriction applies based on where your test is booked on that date, not where you originally booked it.

How to Book Properly

The only official way to book your driving test is through GOV.UK. You will need your provisional driving licence number, your theory test pass certificate number, and your driving instructor's personal reference number (if you have one).

Avoid using any third-party websites or apps that claim to find earlier test dates. These services often charge inflated fees and may no longer work under the new rules.

Key Dates at a Glance