Learners are being urged to plan ahead due to a new major DVSA driving test rule change in the UK. From 31st March, learners will be limited to two changes per driving test booking. We break down what this means and how it could affect you below.
What’s changing in the driving test booking rules?
Under current rules, once a learner has booked a driving test, they can make many changes to their booking. However, the DVSA has confirmed that, from 31 March 2026, learners will only be able to make two changes.
These include:
- Changing the date
- Change the time
- Switching the test centre
- Swapping with another learner
Once you have used your two changes, to make any more adjustments, you will need to cancel the test and rebook. If you cancel at least 10 working days before your test, you can receive a full refund; however, if you have to cancel within 10 working days, you will likely lose your test fee.
What this means for learner drivers
This new rule is a big shift. If you’re taking driving lessons in Barnsley, Cardiff, or anywhere in the UK, planning your test date is now more important than ever.
Gone are the days when you might book a slot far in advance and adjust several times. With just two changes allowed, it is important to carefully plan when to book to avoid unnecessary stress or even the loss of your test fee.
It’s worth stressing that this change is not aimed at punishing learners who have real reasons to move their test. Instead, it is meant to prevent repeated rescheduling that uses up test slots that other people could use. The hope is that the new rule will see more slots become available for learners who are ready to take their test.
How to plan your driving test booking
Here are some steps you can take to ensure that this new change doesn’t cause you stress:
- Choose your test date carefully: Don’t pick the earliest slot if you’re not ready.
- Discuss with your driving instructor: They can help you decide when you’re ready to book.
- Be strategic: If you book a test centre because it has early availability, bear in mind it may be hard to jump to another one later on.
- Plan early: If your circumstances change, try to make adjustments early to enable you to take the test, rather than using up your allowed changes too soon.
- Use your two changes wisely: Save them for real conflicts, not last-minute whims.
- Monitor your bookings: Keep an eye on your booking history so that you don’t get caught out by the two-change limit.
Keep informed on upcoming driving test changes
This change is part of a bigger set of reforms being brought in by the DVSA, designed to overhaul and improve the test booking system. There will be other updates coming in later the Spring, including changes to:
- Who can book your driving test
- Who can manage your driving test
- Where you can move your driving test to
We will provide more information on these as details become available.
Final thoughts on the new two-change driving test limit
At driveJohnson’s, our driving instructors will help you every step of the way, from lesson planning to test preparation, making sure you feel confident and fully prepared for the big day. However, with the DVSA’s new two-change rules, the control over your booking is firmly in your hands.
Whether you’re taking driving lessons in Eastbourne, Edinburgh, or elsewhere in the UK, the key is choose a realistic test date, plan ahead and use your allowed changes wisely: this could make the difference between a stress-free process and needless delays.
