The driving test booking rule changes have been formally confirmed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, with a phased introduction beginning in March 2026.

DVSA states that the changes are intended to give learners greater control over bookings and address concerns around third-party activity within the system.

Key dates and changes

The rollout will take place in stages:

• From 31 March 2026
  • Learners can change a booking twice, reduced from six
• From 12 May 2026
  • Only learner drivers can book or change a practical driving test
  • Third parties, including driving instructors, will no longer be able to manage bookings
• From 9 June 2026
  • Test changes limited to the three nearest test centres

DVSA proposes that these measures will help reduce misuse of the booking system and improve access for learners.

Government and DVSA response

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Learning to drive is hard enough without an unfair booking system. Learners deserve clear, honest access to tests, not being ripped off by third party sites. These changes put learners back in control, stop the system being gamed, and help make sure tests go to those who really need them.”

DVSA Chief Executive Beverley Warmington added: “We have listened to learners, driving instructors and voices from across the driver training industry on how to make the booking rules fairer.

“Our priority is to stop learners being exploited by third parties and put them in control of booking their driving test.”

What this means for instructors

The driving test booking rule changes represent a significant shift in how bookings are managed.

While ADIs and PDIs will no longer be able to book or amend tests directly, their role remains critical in:

• Supporting learners to assess test readiness
• Advising on appropriate test timing and location
• Managing availability to align with learner bookings

DVSA has confirmed that instructors will still be able to set availability to prevent learners booking tests at unsuitable times.

Consultation background

The changes follow a 2025 consultation that received over 100,000 responses.

Key findings included:

• 70.7% supported learner-only booking
• 42.5% supported limiting booking changes

DVSA confirmed that two proposals will now be implemented:

• Learner-only booking control
• Limits on test changes and location flexibility

Further guidance on changes to the driving test booking rules can be found here: Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026 – GOV.UK