The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced a significant change to car driving test rules across the United Kingdom starting April 8, 2025, as part of efforts to reduce record-high waiting times for learner drivers.
The key change: candidates must now provide at least 10 full working days’ notice if they wish to cancel or reschedule a car driving test without losing their booking fee. This is more than triple the previous requirement of three working days’ notice.
Why This Rule Change?
The DVSA has faced growing criticism over long wait times for practical driving tests, with some regions reporting waits of over four months. A key contributor to the delays has been the number of appointments lost due to last-minute cancellations and rescheduling—often too late for the DVSA to reassign the slot to another learner.
“We understand learners may need to change their test dates. But last-minute cancellations cost others the chance to take their test,” said a DVSA spokesperson.
The new rule is aimed at improving test availability by ensuring slots don’t go unused.
What Are the New Rules?
Effective From: April 8, 2025
Applies To: Car driving tests only
New Cancellation/Reschedule Policy:
- Must give 10 full working days’ notice to cancel or change your driving test
- Failing to give this notice means you lose the test fee
Example: If your test is booked for Monday, April 21, you must cancel or change it before Monday, April 7 to keep your fee.
❗ Other Test Types:
This change does not affect theory tests, motorcycle tests, or large vehicle (bus/lorry) driving tests, which still require just 3 working days’ notice for cancellation or changes.
How To Cancel or Change a Test Properly
The DVSA recommends using their official booking system to manage test appointments:
- DVSA Test Booking Service
- You can also call the DVSA support line
When cancelling or rescheduling, make sure to:
- Log in using your driving licence number
- Cancel before the 10-working-day deadline
- Receive a confirmation email or reference number
Who Is Affected by the New Rule?
This policy applies to anyone booking a car driving test in England, Scotland, or Wales after April 8.
- Learner drivers
- Instructors managing tests for pupils
- Driving schools managing bulk test appointments
The DVSA has also advised instructors to remind pupils early if rescheduling is needed, to avoid fees and missed chances.
Reaction and Impact
The change has sparked mixed reactions among learner drivers and instructors. While many support the effort to reduce delays, some worry that unforeseen emergencies could still lead to test losses.
“It’s a positive step—more slots will open up, and serious learners will plan better,” said a driving instructor from Manchester.
“But 10 days is a long time if something sudden comes up,” added a learner from Birmingham.
Still, the DVSA maintains that this change is critical to managing resources more effectively, given the high demand post-pandemic and backlogs caused by examiner shortages.
What Else Is Being Done to Reduce Waiting Times?
According to the UK Government website, the DVSA is also:
- Recruiting and training more driving examiners
- Offering weekend and evening test slots
- Exploring temporary driving test centres in high-demand areas
These combined measures are expected to gradually shorten wait times over the next 12 months.
Summary: What You Need to Know
| 📌 Rule Change | From April 8, learners must give 10 working days’ notice to cancel/reschedule car tests without losing the fee |
|---|---|
| 📍 Applies To | Car driving tests only (theory, lorry, motorcycle, and bus tests still follow 3-day rule) |
| ⚠️ Penalty | Late cancellations = No refund of your test fee |
| 🔗 Book/Cancel | DVSA Booking Portal |
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
