New Driving Test Changes Introduced as DVSA Targets Booking Backlog

Learner drivers across the UK are facing further changes to the driving test booking system, as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) ramps up efforts to tackle long waiting times and unfair practices. From 9 June 2026, a key new rule limits how far candidates can move their test location. Learners can now only switch their driving test booking to one of the three nearest test centres to their original selection.

Crackdown on Resellers and No-Shows

The latest changes are part of a broader attempt to reduce wasted slots and clamp down on test resellers exploiting the system. In 2025 alone, 64,500 driving tests ended in no-shows, with many attributed to third-party operators using bots to secure bookings and then selling them on at inflated prices — sometimes reaching £200 per slot.

Restricting location swapping is intended to make it harder for resellers to operate nationwide, limiting their potential customer base and freeing up slots for genuine learners.

Series of Tightening Rules

This update is just one of several booking restrictions introduced over the past year:

• Learners must now book their own tests, removing the ability for instructors and third parties to bulk-book.
• The number of allowed booking amendments has been reduced from six to two.
• Learners must now give 10 working days’ notice to cancel without losing their fee.
• Additional transparency rules mean any admin fees must be clearly shown at the time of booking.

While these measures aim to make the system fairer, they also make it more restrictive for learners trying to find suitable test dates.

Industry Reaction: “Not the Full Solution”

Industry professionals have welcomed the crackdown on resellers—but warn it won’t solve the underlying issue. Emma Bush, Managing Director of AA Driving School, said tightening the system is a positive step, but cautioned that it “must not be mistaken for a complete solution”, highlighting that waiting times remain far too high. Criticism has also come from the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), which described recent changes as ineffective and overly complicated. The organisation argues that the real problem lies elsewhere — a shortage of examiners and insufficient test capacity.

Waiting Times Still a Major Concern

Despite multiple rule changes, learner drivers are still facing long delays. By April 2026, the average wait for a driving test had exceeded 22 weeks, putting pressure on learners eager to get on the road. To address this, the government has committed to recruiting and training 450 new driving examiners, aiming to offset annual staff losses and increase test availability.

The Bigger Picture

While the latest booking restrictions may help reduce abuse of the system, many in the industry believe they are only targeting the symptoms rather than the root cause. Without a significant increase in examiner numbers and test capacity, learners could continue to face long waits — even as the rules around booking become stricter.