Detailed Explaination of new DVSA Practical Driving Test Booking Rules (2026)

Overview

 

Starting from 31st March 2026, the DVSA is implemaenting significant changes to how learner drivers book and manage their practical driving tests. These changes aim to address long waiting times, prevent unfair practices like block booking and reselling test slots, and ensure fairer access to test appointments for all learners;

 

Key Changes Summary 

 

Aspect                                                        current system (before 31st March 2026)     New System from 31st march2026

 

who can book?                                         learner driver or driving instructor                  only the learner driver

who can manage the booking?              learner driver or driving instructor                   only the learner driver           

Number of changes allowed                   up to 6 changes                                                 only 2 changes

Test centre flexibility                                 can move to any test centre uk                       can only move near test centre

Booking access                                         GOV.UK  or instructor portals                           learner must book only through GOV.UK

 

Breakdown of Each Change 

 

1. Only Learners Can Book Tests

 

what this means:

  • From spring 2026, only you the learner driver can book your practical driving test on GOV.UK
  • Your driving Insstructor will no longer be able to book tests on your behalf 
  • This applies to all new bookings made after the transition date

Why This Change?

  • Prevents instructors from block booking muliple test slots and any reselling at inflated prices by third parties or Bots.
  • Ensures test slots go to genuine learners who are ready to take their test
  • Reduces the practice of test hording where slots are booked but not used

What learners need to do:

  • You must create or use your exsisting GOV.UK account to book your test
  • You will need you provisional license number and other idenfication details
  • The booking process remains straightforward and user friendly

 

What Instructors Can Still do:

 

  • Advise you on when you are ready to book your test
  • Help you prepare for test
  • guidance on the appropriate test centre

 

2. Only learners Can Manage Bookings

 

What This Means:

  • Once your test is booked, only you can make changes to it
  • You have full control of your booking at all times
  • The Instructor cannot modify, reschedule, or canacel your test

Why This Change?

  • Ensures accountability and prevents unathourised changes
  • Protects learners from instructors who make changes without their knowledge
  • Gives learners direct control over test arrangements

3. Limited to 2 changes per Booking

 

What this means:

  • You can only make 2 changes to your test booking
  • Each change counts towards your limit, regardless of what you are changing

What counts as a change:

 

  • Changing the date and time of your test
  • Changing the test centre even a nearby one
  • swapping your test appointment with another learner driver

 

What Happens After You Use Both Changes:

 

If you need to make a third change:

 

  • You must cancel your current test booking
  • You get a full refund if you cancel at least 10 full working days before your test
  • You can then book a new test with 2 new changes
  • If you cancel within 10 working days, you forefit the fee with no refund

4. Limited to Nearby test Centres

 

What This Means:

  • You can only move to nerby centres
  • This typically means test centres within a reasonable driving distance usually 20-30 miles, but exact distance TBC.

Why This Change ?

  • Prevents people from booking tests far away and then moving them to more conveniant locations
  • Ensures test slots are allocated fairly to local learners in Bridgend

What This Means For Planning:

 

  • Choose your intial test centre carefully
  • consider your location and whether you might want to move
  • If your planning to move put in new location from start
  • If you have booked before 31st March 2026 (6) changes will be allowed

DVSA communication: The DVSA will contact all learners with existing bookings via email

 

author Robert Whyard ADI                                     

Time line of Implemation

 

Early 2026

  • New CPR and AED questions introduced to the theory test
  • Learners can start studying thenew content

31st March 2026

  • 2 change limit comes into effect for all new bookings see above for details
  • Exsistings bookings retain current rules until cancelled /rebooked

Later Spring 2026 (exact date to be confirmed TBC)

  • self-booking requirement takes effect only learners can book
  • nearby test centre restriction comes into effect
  • All new bookings must be made by the learner directly on GOV.UK

Click here to check out the DVSA Theory Test Page