In Spring 2026, major reforms will reshape how learner drivers in the UK book and manage their car driving tests.

As part of the DVSA’s ongoing efforts to modernise the system, these driving test booking changes are designed to improve fairness, reduce exploitation by third-party resellers, and give learners greater control over their test dates.

The updates follow persistent issues such as speculative bookings, automated bots, and limited test availability. Backed by more than 93,000 public responses gathered during the 2025 consultation, the reforms reflect a strong demand for a clearer, more secure process.

Whether you’re a learner or an instructor, understanding these changes is essential for a smooth testing journey.

What Are the Main Changes to the Driving Test Booking System in 2026?

Starting in Spring 2026, three primary reforms will govern how learner drivers in the UK book and manage their car driving tests. These include:

• Learner-only bookings: Only the learner driver will be permitted to book their driving test. Driving instructors, parents, and third-party services will no longer have the authority to book on their behalf.
• Limit on appointment changes: Learners will be allowed a maximum of two changes to their test appointments. This includes changes to the date, time, or test centre location.
• Restrictions on location changes: Learners can only move their test to nearby centres, reducing the use of placeholder bookings at distant centres with shorter wait times.

These measures aim to improve test availability, reduce manipulation by unofficial services, and place greater responsibility in the hands of learner drivers.

Why Is the DVSA Changing the Driving Test Booking Process?

The DVSA is updating the driving test booking process to address long-standing issues that have impacted fairness, accessibility, and overall efficiency.

These reforms stem from thousands of learner responses and ongoing system challenges that required structural change.

Key reasons behind the DVSA’s decision include:

• Bot and reseller misuse: Test slots were hoarded and resold at higher prices
• Less learner control: Instructors or third parties sometimes booked without learner readiness
• Learner preference: Most learners want to manage their own bookings
• Better planning: Fewer swaps help test centres allocate resources effectively

These changes aim to create a booking system that is fairer, more transparent, and more directly aligned with learner needs.

How Will Learners Book Their Driving Tests Under the New Rules?

The new DVSA rules will significantly change how learners book their driving tests, shifting full control to the learner while improving fairness, transparency, and accessibility throughout the process.

1. Direct Learner Access

Once the changes take effect, learners will need to book their driving tests directly through the official online booking portal.

To complete a booking, they must have:

• A valid provisional driving licence number
• Details of their driving instructor (optional but recommended for availability checks)
• A debit or credit card for payment

Instructors will no longer be able to carry out this process, even with consent from the learner.

2. Optional Instructor Availability Link

Although instructors can’t book tests, learners can still enter their instructor’s ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) reference number during the booking. The system will automatically check if the instructor is available at the chosen time, minimising scheduling conflicts.

3. Accessibility Support

To ensure no learner is disadvantaged, the DVSA will provide accessibility options, including:

• Step-by-step guidance on how to use the booking system
• Telephone support through the DVSA’s service centre
• Consideration for learners with disabilities or limited digital skills

This ensures the system remains inclusive while maintaining the integrity of the new rules.

What Restrictions Will Apply to Test Changes and Cancellations?

One of the most impactful elements of the 2026 reforms is the two-change limit. This means a learner can only make two modifications to their original test booking. A “change” includes:

Once both changes are used, the learner must cancel and rebook the test if further alterations are needed. If the cancellation is made with at least 10 full working days’ notice, the learner will receive a full refund.

This policy is intended to discourage speculative bookings and promote serious commitment to scheduled appointments.

Can Driving Instructors Still Support Learners with Test Bookings?

While instructors will be unable to book or manage tests on behalf of learners, they are still expected to play a vital advisory role in the learner’s journey.

Instructor Availability Still Matters

Instructors can use their professional booking system to mark availability for driving tests. If the learner enters the instructor’s reference number when booking, the system will automatically align the test date with the instructor’s free slots.

Booking Guidance and Test Readiness

Instructors are still encouraged to:

• Discuss test readiness with learners before booking
• Offer strategic advice on timing and location
• Help learners navigate the official booking system, where appropriate

The reform does not remove the instructor’s influence, it repositions it to a supporting rather than controlling role.

What Happens If a Learner Needs More Than Two Changes?

Learners exceeding the two-change limit will be required to cancel their existing appointment and create a new booking. The refund policy applies only when the cancellation is made at least 10 full working days in advance.

In practice, this means learners need to plan carefully and consult their instructors before booking to avoid unnecessary cancellations and additional fees.

How Will These Changes Impact Third-Party Booking Services?

The DVSA’s 2026 system overhaul is designed to disrupt the unofficial marketplace for test bookings. Under the current system, many third-party services exploit test demand by:

• Using bots to mass-book appointments
• Reselling those slots at inflated prices
• Gaining access to learner credentials without adequate authorisation

Once learner-only booking is enforced and test swaps are restricted, these practices will become effectively unviable. Each learner will need to authenticate their own booking, which eliminates the data leverage used by third-party firms.

This change protects learners financially and ensures that test slots remain available for genuine candidates, not opportunistic resellers.

When Exactly Will These Driving Test Booking Changes Take Effect?

The reforms are scheduled for implementation in Spring 2026, though an exact date has not yet been announced. The DVSA will release further updates closer to the launch, allowing learners, instructors, and test centres to adjust accordingly.

Key milestones to expect include:

• Early 2026: DVSA rollout of learner guides and support material
• Spring 2026: Activation of new booking rules
• Post-Launch: Ongoing monitoring and system adjustments based on feedback

Learners are encouraged to sign up for alerts from the official booking portal to stay informed.

What Should Learners Do Now to Prepare for 2026?

Although the changes won’t take effect until Spring 2026, it’s wise for learners to begin adjusting their approach now.

Here are key steps to prepare:

• Familiarise yourself with the current official booking system
• Start planning your learning journey with your instructor, including when you might be test-ready
• Ensure you have your provisional licence and necessary identification details
• Stay updated on DVSA announcements and system launch timelines

By taking these steps early, learners can avoid surprises and ensure a smooth transition when the new rules are introduced.

Conclusion

The upcoming driving test booking system changes in 2026 mark a pivotal moment for learner drivers in the UK. By enforcing learner-only bookings, restricting changes, and eliminating third-party influence, the DVSA aims to build a fairer, more accessible, and efficient testing environment.

As the implementation date draws nearer, learners and instructors alike must adapt to these new realities. With proper preparation and an understanding of the upcoming rules, this transition can be smooth, transparent, and beneficial to everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the new booking rules apply to motorcycle or lorry tests as well?

No, the 2026 changes apply only to car driving tests. Other vehicle categories remain unaffected at this time.

What support will be available for learners with disabilities?

The DVSA is committed to ensuring accessibility for all learners. Support will include digital guidance, phone assistance, and adaptations for learners with additional needs.

Can a family member assist with the booking process in 2026?

While learners must make the booking themselves, support from family members is allowed, particularly in navigating the booking system. However, only the learner can complete and submit the booking.

Will the DVSA increase the number of driving test slots available?

Yes, the DVSA expects availability to improve as the new system reduces speculative and duplicate bookings by bots and third parties.

How can learners check if their instructor is available for a test date?

By entering the instructor’s reference number during the booking process, the system will automatically verify if the instructor is free at the selected time.

What is the cancellation policy under the new system?

Learners will be entitled to a full refund only if they cancel with at least 10 working days’ notice. Otherwise, the test fee is non-refundable.

Will the reforms affect intensive driving course providers?

Yes. As instructors cannot book tests, intensive course providers will need to update their internal processes and ensure learners understand how to book their own tests independently.

The post Driving Test Booking System Changes – What Learners Need to Know in 2026? first appeared on UK Business Magazine.