New regulations for scheduling and managing car driving tests are due to come into force from spring 2026
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 their own driving test, with instructors barred from arranging appointments on students’ behalf. Up to two modifications can subsequently be made to any test booking, and if the test centre is changed, it must remain within the original location’s proximity.
The key changes for spring 2026 have been outlined by the DVSA on the GOV.UK website. These are summarised as follows:
- From March 31, 2026: You will only be allowed to make a total of two changes to your driving test appointment
- From later in spring 2026: Only you will be allowed to book/manage your own driving test – your driving instructor will not be able to book it for you
- From later in spring 2026: You will only be allowed to move your test to centres near where you originally booked
Beyond relocating test centres, the DVSA has confirmed that other ‘changes’ will include altering the date or time, or exchanging an appointment with another learner who has already secured a test slot. 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. According to the Express, regarding driving instructors, the DVSA also states: “Driving instructors can use the online service to manage when they are available to take their pupils for driving tests.”
It continues: “This means that if a learner driver adds their driving instructor’s personal reference number to their booking, the booking system will automatically check if their instructor is available.”
The upcoming amendments follow smaller adjustments to the driving examination rolled out last year. Following trials at 20 test centres nationwide, three changes were made to the requirements candidates must meet during their assessment.
According to the DVSA, these included:
- Reducing the number of stops during the test from four to three
- Lowering the frequency of emergency stop exercises from one in three tests to one in seven
- Adding flexibility to the independent driving segment (this can be following a sat nav, traffic signs or both) to run for the full duration of the test
Whilst these modifications were not anticipated to substantially impact learners, a GOV.UK blog clarified that they afford examiners greater flexibility in route planning and an improved opportunity to evaluate learner drivers in varied conditions.
It added: “Making the above adjustments has helped create test routes that venture into more high-speed and high-risk areas – where location allows – and has given learners the opportunity to face a broader range of driving scenarios.
“The extension of independent driving has also given learners more time to demonstrate their ability to follow directions independently, just like they would after passing their test.
“As well as this, by reducing the number of stops and emergency stop exercises, the test feels more like a genuine drive, helping learners stay focused and relaxed during what we know can, understandably, be a nerve-wracking experience.”
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
