One of the biggest changes is that only the learner driver can now book and manage their driving test directly through the DVSA system. Previously, driving instructors and third-party companies could make bookings and changes on behalf of learners. However, from May 2026, it became illegal for other people or businesses to arrange tests for someone else. This move is aimed at preventing companies and automated “bot” systems from bulk-booking test slots and reselling them at inflated prices.
The DVSA introduced these changes after reports that some learners were paying hundreds of pounds above the official test fee just to secure an earlier appointment. Official driving test fees remain £62 on weekdays and £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. The DVSA hopes that restricting bookings to individual learners will make appointments more accessible and reduce exploitation within the system.
Another important change involves the number of times a learner can alter their booking. Previously, learners could change their driving test appointment up to six times. Under the new rules, introduced in March 2026, this has been reduced to just two changes. If a learner wishes to make further alterations after using both changes, they may need to cancel the booking and start the process again. The aim is to discourage speculative bookings and reduce unnecessary movement within the system.
Further restrictions are also being introduced regarding test centre changes. From June 2026, learners moving a test appointment will only be allowed to switch to one of their three nearest test centres. Previously, many learners booked tests in distant locations simply to secure an earlier slot before later attempting to move the booking closer to home using cancellation apps. The DVSA believes the new rule will help prevent this practice and make the booking process more efficient.
Despite these reforms, many learner drivers remain frustrated by long waiting times and limited availability. Online discussions show that some learners feel the system still lacks flexibility and that demand for tests continues to exceed examiner capacity in many areas. Others, however, support the crackdown on bots and resellers, believing it should gradually improve fairness for those genuinely ready to take a test.
The DVSA has also increased recruitment and training for driving examiners in an attempt to provide more test appointments. According to recent figures, examiner numbers are now at their highest level since 2018.
Overall, the recent changes represent one of the biggest overhauls to the UK driving test booking system in years. While some learners may find the new rules stricter, the long-term goal is to create a fairer and more reliable system that reduces abuse, shortens waiting times and improves access for genuine learner drivers.