From Could 12 learner drivers will discover a shakeup
The historical past of the driving take a look at
Learner drivers might be pressured to take full management of their exams below sweeping new guidelines launched by the DVSA.
From Could 12, 2026, solely the learner themselves might be allowed to e book, change or swap a automobile driving take a look at – in a serious overhaul confirmed by the Driver and Car Requirements Company.
The transfer follows mounting anger over so-called ‘take a look at resellers’ snapping up slots and flogging them on at inflated costs, making it more durable for real learners to get on the street. Asserting the crackdown, the company stated it’s “taking motion” after calls to make the system fairer.
Asserting the crackdown, the company stated it’s “taking motion” (Picture: Getty) Motoring information and recommendation plus chosen affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid e-mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embrace adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
From Could, it’s going to additionally turn out to be unlawful for anybody else to:
Learners will as a substitute must undergo the official GOV.UK system themselves and ensure they’re the particular person taking the take a look at.
Nonetheless, buddies or household can nonetheless assist – however provided that the learner is current and completes the method themselves.
Fewer modifications allowed
The shake-up begins earlier, with limits tightening from March 31, 2026.
Learners will solely be capable to change their take a look at twice, down from the present six modifications.
Officers warn drivers to select life like dates, as as soon as the 2 modifications are used up, they must cancel and rebook – though refunds will nonetheless be obtainable if cancelled no less than 10 working days prematurely.
New limits on switching take a look at centres
Additional restrictions will come into power from June 9, 2026, limiting how far learners can transfer their take a look at.
You requested us to make automobile driving take a look at reserving guidelines fairer – we’re taking motion ??????
From 12 Could, solely learners will be capable to e book, change or swap a automobile driving take a look at
No third events ??????
No take a look at resellers ??????
Learn extra ?????? https://t.co/PhNVIqxteC pic.twitter.com/RuB2otFFbS
— Driver & Car Requirements Company (@DVSAgovuk) March 17, 2026
As a substitute of switching to any take a look at centre nationwide, drivers will solely be capable to transfer their reserving to:
- One of many three nearest take a look at centres, or
- The unique take a look at centre they booked
That is designed to cease candidates reserving exams removed from residence merely to safe earlier slots.
Instructors locked out
The modifications will mark a major shift for driving instructors, who presently typically deal with bookings for pupils.
From Could, they’ll now not be allowed to e book or handle exams in any respect, though they will nonetheless:
- Present their teacher reference quantity
- Set their availability for take a look at dates
Any exams already booked by instructors will nonetheless go forward, however learners will want their reference numbers to handle them going ahead.
What occurs subsequent
The DVSA says it’s going to contact affected customers earlier than the principles come into power, utilizing the e-mail tackle linked to their reserving.
The overhaul applies throughout England, Scotland and Wales, and solely impacts automobile driving exams – not different automobile classes.
The modifications are a part of a wider push to deal with lengthy ready occasions and restore equity to a system that has been affected by delays and exploitation.
Leave a Reply