The DVSA has unveiled a major overhaul of how learner drivers can book tests in a bid to crack down on fraudulent practices and address the shortage of test slots.
From today, the agency will require learner drivers to give 10 full working days' notice when changing or cancelling driving tests.
The change means learners must provide significantly more notice than the previous three-day requirement to avoid losing their test fee.
The rule also forms part of the Government's strategy to reduce driving test waiting times across the UK, which have been as high as 24 weeks.
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Under the new measures, drivers will need to give 10 days notice to cancel a test
PA/GETTYThe DVSA said it hopes the extended notice period will allow more test slots to be reallocated efficiently when cancellations occur.
The change was first announced by the agency on March 17, giving learners and instructors three weeks to prepare for the new measures.
Under the new rules, Monday to Saturday will now count as working days, while Sundays and public holidays remain separate.
The change will also only impact driving tests of car vehicles, with other types of tests maintaining the previous three-day notice requirement. This includes theory tests, motorcycle tests, lorry and bus driving tests, and driving instructor qualification tests.
The DVSA said it has emailed all learner drivers to inform them of the new deadline to change or cancel without losing their fee, with the new deadline now being displayed when checking driving test appointment details online.
The agency has also published a list of old and new deadlines for tests which has been scheduled until the end of June 2025.
The extension of the notice period aims to prevent last-minute cancellations from learners who aren't ready to take their test.
Officials explained that this will encourage better preparation and allow cancelled slots to be used by other drivers. The change is the latest action in the Government's seven-point plan announced in December 2024 to tackle driving test backlogs.
Other measures in the plan include recruiting and training 450 driving examiners to help more motorists get on the roads quickly. The DVSA is also reviewing and improving the rules for booking driving tests.
Additionally, tougher terms and conditions are being introduced for the service driving instructors use to book and manage tests for their pupils. In 2024, approximately 60,000 appointments were wasted because people failed to attend their tests.
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, 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."
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Last year, roughly 60,000 test appointments were lost due to drivers not showing up
PAShe added: "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."
DVSA's Chief Executive, Loveday Ryder, explained that extending the short notice cancellation period will allow the agency to “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 added.
The DVSA did note that refunds would still be available for drivers who need to cancel at short notice due to special circumstances.
