The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed a significant change to driving test bookings, affecting thousands of motorists across the country. From Tuesday, May 12, 2026, learner drivers will be required to book their own car driving test directly through the official GOV.UK website. Driving instructors will no longer be permitted to make these bookings on behalf of their students.
New rules for booking your driving test
Before proceeding with a booking, learners are advised to discuss their readiness with their driving instructor. It is essential to obtain the instructor's reference number, which must be entered during the booking process to ensure the instructor is available for the test date. The DVSA emphasizes that tests should only be booked at a test centre the learner intends to use, as changes will be limited to nearby centres and only two amendments will be allowed per booking.
Legal implications from May 12
From May 12, 2026, it will become illegal to book or alter a driving test for another person. The DVSA states: "From 12 May 2026, only you will be allowed to change, cancel or swap your own driving test. You will have to confirm that you are the learner who will be taking the test and agree to a new set of terms and conditions." Additionally, "From 12 May 2026, it will be against the law to change, cancel or swap a driving test for someone else."
Further restrictions from June 9
For tests booked from June 9, 2026, learners will only be able to move their test to one of the three nearest test centres to the original booking location or the centre first booked. This measure aims to reduce fraudulent bookings and ensure test availability for genuine learners.
The DVSA advises all learners to plan carefully and only book when they are realistically ready, as the new rules limit flexibility. This change follows a broader crackdown on driving test fraud and aims to streamline the booking process.
