The DVSA has issued a huge update which will impact how millions of motorists take their practical driving test across the UK.
The agency announced changes to its driving test system which aim to address serious concerns around a lack of test slots.
It comes after research found that more drivers were unable to book a practical driving test due to huge backlogs from Covid and unethical practices of drivers booking out slots weeks in advance and charging drivers to take them.
Under the plans, from April 8, learner drivers will have to give at least 10 days' notice for cancelling or changing their practical test.
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The DVSA update hopes to close the backlog of driving tests across the UK
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The change aims to prevent fewer driving test slots from being wasted and replaces the currentlythree-day free cancellation allowance before motorists lose their test fee.
The improvement also forms part of the DVSA’s seven-point plan to reduce waiting times and allow more slots to be made available.
Extending the window also aims to encourage customers to be better prepared and ready to pass when they book their test, as well as prompting them to change or cancel their test sooner.
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said: "Driving is more than just a means of transport; it is a lifeline for many, opening doors to jobs, and opportunities and ultimately contributing to the growth of our economy.
"The measures announced today are another vital step in tackling the driving test backlog and ensuring that more learners who are ready to take their test can do so without unnecessary delays.
"These new measures will ensure that driving test appointments are used efficiently, encouraging learners to make adjustments to their schedules sooner, should they not be fully prepared."
A DVSA plan announced in December 2024 aims to recruit and train 450 driving examiners, review and improve the rules for booking driving tests as well as introduce tougher terms and conditions for the service driving instructors use to book and manage car driving tests for their pupils.
Between January 9, 2023, and January 5, 2025, the agency issued 350 warnings, 792 suspensions, and closed 813 business accounts for misuse of its booking service.
A spokesperson for DVSA told GB News: "The measures will help make the driving test booking system fairer for learners, better protecting them from exploitation, and continue to provide them with the tools to help them pass their test.
"The plan will build on our work last year which provided over two million tests to help learners get on the road sooner. We recently asked learners, driving instructors and the driver training industry for their views on our booking system and processes and we are reviewing the findings."
Loveday Ryder, DVSA’s Chief Executive, added that extending the short notice cancellation period for driving tests will encourage learners to change or cancel their test "sooner so we can offer up those slots to other customers".
"We remain committed to reducing driving test waiting times and supporting learners in getting on the road when they are truly ready and safe to do so," she stated.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The DVSA is aiming to reduce waiting times for new driving tests with the new terms and conditions PAEarlier this year on January 6, the DVSA introduced tougher terms and conditions for the service driving instructors use to book and manage car driving tests for their pupils.
The changes meant that only driving instructors or businesses that employ driving instructors would be able to use the service to book tests.
