DVSA warning over new driving test rules - who they apply to and date they come into force
Many learners often cancel their driving test as they don't think they are ready to take the plunge
Rules surrounding booking a driving test will undergo a major change from next month, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced.
Waiting times for learners taking their driving test have been backlogged and this new system hopes to tackle the delays and allow learners to get behind the wheel faster.
The Government has revealed that learner drivers will, from April 8, need to give more notice when changing or cancelling their car driving test to avoid losing their fee.
Under the new rules those wishing to cancel a test will be required to give 10 full working days' notice to change or cancel their car driving test or they will lose their test fee.
At the moment, the rules are that any cancellation or change must be made within three working days.
The DVSA warned that Monday to Saturday count as working days but Sundays and public holidays do not.
Does this new rule affect theory tests?
The DVSA also said the rules only apply to car driving tests. Theory test cancellation times will remain the same.
Learner drivers will need to give three full working days' notice to change or cancel theory tests, motorcycle tests, lorry and bus driving tests, driving instructor qualification tests and specialist vehicle driving tests.
Why is the rule changing?
The DVSA said lots of people who are not ready to take their driving test leave it until the last moment to change or cancel it.
That appointment then becomes available to other learner drivers. But as it’s so close to the test date, it can be hard for people who are ready to pass to make all the necessary arrangements to use the appointment. This can lead to appointments going unused.
By asking learner drivers to give more notice, it should give other people more chance to use the appointment. This will help to reduce driving test waiting times.
New deadlines to change or cancel without losing the test fee
DVSA is emailing all learner drivers to tell them the new deadline to change or cancel their test without losing the fee.
From April 8, 2025, the new deadline will show on the booking details when you check your driving test appointment details.
To help learner drivers and driving instructors through this change of rule, DVSA has published a list of old and new deadlines to change or cancel a car driving test up to the end of June 2025.
What happens if I have to change or cancel my test due to special circumstances?
You will still be able to apply for a refund if you have to change or cancel your test at short notice if you have:
- an illness or injury that means you cannot take your test
- suffered a bereavement
- to take an exam at a school or college
- had your driving licence stolen
What if the DVSA cancels my driving test at short notice?
DVSA will continue to pay out-of-pocket expenses for any car driving tests it cancels with fewer than three full working days’ notice while it conducts a review of its out-of-pocket expenses process.
Motoring news
The DVSA is urging learner drivers to cancel their driving test if they cannot attend, rather than just not turning up.
During 2024, about 60,000 appointments were wasted because people did not turn up for their test. That’s the same number of tests that 45 full-time driving examiners can do in a year.
Later this year, DVSA will consult on proposals reduce the number of wasted tests. For those who fail to attend, this includes:
- increasing the amount of time they have to wait before they’re allowed to book another test
- considering charging them a penalty fee
Learner drivers currently have to wait 10 working days before being able to book another test. The consultation will set out the full details of the potential options.
This is another of the seven actions that DVSA has set out to reduce driving test waiting times.
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 (March 17) 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.