Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026
The rules for booking and managing car driving tests will change from spring 2026. Find out what the changes are and how they affect you.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
New booking rules from spring 2026
This page tells you what you’ll need to do from spring 2026. It will be updated with more information nearer the time.
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For current information, read:
The new rules only apply to car driving tests. They do not apply to other types of tests.
When the new rules will be introduced
The new rules for booking and managing car driving tests will be introduced from spring 2026.
The exact date will be confirmed nearer the time.
What the new rules are
The new rules will mean that, as a learner driver:
- only you will be allowed to book your own driving test – your driving instructor will not be able to book it for you
- you will only be allowed to make a total of 2 changes to your driving test appointment
- you will only be allowed to move your test to centres near to where you originally booked
What will count as changes
These things each count as a change:
- changing the date or time
- changing the test centre
- swapping your appointment with another learner driver who already has a test booked
If you need to make more changes
If you need to make more changes after you have used your 2 changes, you have to cancel your test and rebook it.
You’ll get a full refund if you give at least 10 full working days’ notice.
How driving instructors can manage their availability
Driving instructors will still be able to use the online service to manage when they are available to take their pupils for driving tests.
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.
What will happen next
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will contact you nearer the time to tell you what to do.