Need to know
The changes will impact England, Scotland, and Wales – and apply exclusively to car examinations
Upcoming new rules for scheduling and managing car driving tests
- Fresh rules governing the booking and administration of driving tests are set to take effect from spring 2026. These Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) changes will impact England, Scotland, and Wales and apply exclusively to car examinations.
- The most notable shift is that only learner drivers will be authorised to book and manage their own driving test, with instructors barred from arranging appointments on students’ behalf. This will be enforced in late spring of 2026.
- Another alteration will allow only two changes to any test booking, including date and time adjustments, cutting it from six. This rule will take effect on March 31, 2026.
- Should additional amendments be required after exhausting the two permitted changes, candidates must cancel and rebook the entire test. Full refunds will only be granted to learner drivers who give at least 10 complete working days’ notice.
- And finally, from late spring 2026, drivers will only be allowed to move their test to centres near where they originally booked. Official advice on GOV.UK explains: “From 31 March 2026, you will only be able to make two changes to your existing booking. If you’ve already used all changes under the current rules, you will be able to make two more changes from 31 March 2026.
- “From later in spring 2026, you will only be able to move your test to centres near to where you originally booked. Only use your limited changes for genuine needs or emergencies.”
READ MORE HERE: Full list of driving test changes coming in 2026
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