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DVSA Sets Three-Stage Crackdown on Driving-Test Bookings, With New Rules Rolling Out From March to June 2026

The overhaul targets black‑market resales by restricting who can book tests, with tighter limits on moving slots.

Overview

  • From March 31, 2026, learners will be limited to two changes per practical test booking, down from six.
  • From May 12, 2026, only the learner can book or change a car driving test, blocking instructors, cancellation-finder sites and other third parties, with a phone line available for those needing support.
  • From June 9, 2026, a booked test can only be moved to one of the three nearest test centres or back to the original centre to deter speculative long‑distance bookings.
  • DVSA will add booking terms and conditions plus a mandatory learner declaration, enabling action against those who knowingly breach the rules.
  • The timetable follows a consultation with over 100,000 responses showing broad support for learner‑only bookings, and comes after NAO findings of fees inflated to about £500, alongside DVSA efforts delivering roughly 149,000 extra tests since April 2025.