Official changes to booking, the test and licensing — what changed, when it takes effect, and who it affects. Every entry links to the official source.
In effect since 1 October 2026 · announced 1 October 2026
To swap car test appointments with another learner, both learners must now phone DVSA separately on the same day to request and complete the swap. A swap is phone-only and counts as one of your 2 allowed changes.
Who it affects: Car learners swapping a booked test with another learner
Source: Swapping your driving test with another learner driver (page updated 1 October 2026)
announced 24 September 2026
DVSA said its guidance on eyesight checks is being updated so tests can be booked during periods of poor natural light, as long as suitable artificial lighting is available for the eyesight check. The legal eyesight requirement has not changed.
Who it affects: Car learners taking tests in darker months or at the start or end of the day
Source: Driving test booking changes – 3 months on (DVSA Despatch) (page updated 24 September 2026)
In effect since 14 September 2026 · announced 14 September 2026
DVSA updated the examiner guidance (DT1) sections on independent driving and test routes. For car tests, independent driving can follow a sat nav, traffic signs or a mix of both, for at least 20 minutes and up to the whole test.
Who it affects: Car learners and instructors
Source: Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance (DT1) – 6. General technical matters (page updated 14 September 2026)
In effect since 28 August 2026 · announced 28 August 2026
DVSA published guidance explaining that new car test appointments are released at 6am every Monday, 24 weeks ahead, while earlier slots can appear at any time. There is no cancellation list at most centres and DVSA cannot notify you of new slots.
Who it affects: All car learners booking or looking for an earlier test
Source: Driving test appointments: release dates and finding earlier tests (page updated 12 October 2026)
In effect since 24 July 2026 · announced 24 July 2026
DVSA launched an online form to report people, websites, apps or social media accounts that resell test appointments, use bots or book tests for others. You can report anonymously, and should not contact services to gather evidence.
Who it affects: Anyone who comes across misuse of the booking service
Source: Report driving test resellers, cancellation finders or booking services (page updated 24 July 2026)
In effect since 22 June 2026 · announced 22 June 2026
If DVSA sees booking activity that does not look like normal personal use, it suspends online access for that driving licence number for 12 months. You then book, change or cancel by phone. Booked tests still go ahead, and you can request a review.
Who it affects: Car learners whose licence number is linked to unusual booking activity
Source: Driving test booking: if your online access is suspended (page updated 24 September 2026)
In effect since 19 June 2026 · announced 19 June 2026
If DVSA changes your car test, for example because of bad weather, you are reset to 2 available changes. From 19 June 2026 you can use those reset changes online; before, you had to phone DVSA.
Who it affects: Car learners whose test DVSA has moved or cancelled
Source: Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026 (page updated 19 June 2026)
In effect since 18 June 2026 · announced 18 June 2026
DVSA began publishing extra monthly waiting-time data, including the median time between booking and taking a test, and slot availability, nationally, regionally and for each test centre. It explained its older headline measure is not an average wait.
Who it affects: Car learners and instructors comparing waiting times
Source: Giving you a clearer picture of driving test waiting times (DVSA Despatch) (page updated 18 June 2026)
In effect since 9 June 2026 · announced 17 March 2026
You can now only move a car test to one of the 3 test centres nearest to where it is booked, or back to the centre you first booked on that booking. For bookings made earlier, the rule counts from where the test was booked on 9 June 2026.
Who it affects: All car learners with a booked test
Source: Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026 (page updated 19 June 2026)
In effect since 1 June 2026 · announced 1 June 2026
DVSA published guidance on claiming out-of-pocket expenses when it cancels a test with less than 3 full working days' notice, with an online form for car tests. For car tests cancelled from 12 May 2026, only the learner can apply.
Who it affects: Car learners whose test DVSA cancelled at short notice
Source: Claim expenses if DVSA cancelled your driving test (page updated 1 June 2026)
In effect since 12 May 2026 · announced 12 November 2025
It is now against the law for anyone other than the learner, including driving instructors and third-party services, to book a car driving test. Only the learner can change, swap or cancel it.
Who it affects: All car learners, driving instructors and driving schools
Source: End of the road for unofficial driving test booking services (page updated 12 May 2026)
In effect since 12 May 2026 · announced 12 May 2026
Learners must not use unofficial services that scan the booking system for appointments, including cancellation finder websites and apps. If you break the terms and conditions, DVSA can suspend your online access and cancel your booking.
Who it affects: All car learners
Source: Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026 (page updated 19 June 2026)
In effect since 31 March 2026 · announced 12 November 2025
You can now make only 2 changes to a car test booking, down from 6. Changing the date, time or centre, or swapping, each counts as one change. After that you must cancel and rebook. DVSA-made changes reset you to 2.
Who it affects: All car learners with a booked test
Source: Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026 (page updated 19 June 2026)
announced 7 January 2026
The Department for Transport consulted on a minimum time between passing the theory test and taking the practical car test, and asked about minimum supervised hours and a set syllabus. The consultation closed on 11 May 2026. No decision is in force yet.
Who it affects: Future car learners
Source: Introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers (page updated 16 February 2026)
In effect since 24 November 2025 · announced 19 November 2025
After a trial at 20 centres, DVSA made three changes permanent: 3 stops instead of 4, an emergency stop in 1 in 7 tests instead of 1 in 3, and independent driving that can run for the whole test.
Who it affects: All car learners
Source: Making adjustments to the driving test (DVSA Despatch) (page updated 19 November 2025)
announced 13 August 2025
DVSA said theory tests will include enhanced first aid questions from 2026, with updated CPR content and, for the first time, questions on defibrillators (AEDs). It said there is no extra cost, test time or difficulty.
Who it affects: Learners taking the theory test
Source: New theory test questions aim to boost cardiac arrest survival rate (page updated 13 August 2025)
announced 28 May 2025
DVSA consulted on who should be allowed to book and manage car tests and whether to limit changing centres and swapping. It published its response in November and December 2025, and the resulting rules took effect between March and June 2026.
Who it affects: Car learners, instructors and driving schools
Source: Improving car driving test booking rules (page updated 9 December 2025)
In effect since 8 April 2025 · announced 17 March 2025
To change or cancel a car driving test without losing the fee, you must now give 10 full working days' notice instead of 3. Theory tests and other test types still need 3. Monday to Saturday count as working days.
Who it affects: All car learners with a booked test
Source: New rule for driving test changes and cancellations to reduce waiting times (page updated 17 March 2025)
Last checked against the cited sources on 16 October 2026. PassNav is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA, DVLA or TomTom. Our guides are prepared with AI assistance and checked against the official sources cited on each page. Rules and fees change — for current legal requirements and booking rules, always check GOV.UK. This is general guidance and does not replace professional driving instruction. Spotted something out of date? Email passnav@smartaisolution.co.uk — see our editorial policy.