Learner drivers are still encouraged to speak with their instructor
Learner drivers can no longer ask instructors to book driving tests on their behalf under new rules introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The changes came into effect on May 12, 2026, and are aimed at tackling waiting lists that have stretched to six months in some parts of the UK.
The DVSA said the new system is also designed to stop bots and companies bulk-buying test slots before reselling them to learner drivers at inflated prices.
Under the updated rules, only the learner driver can now book, change or swap their driving test. Driving instructors are no longer permitted to manage bookings for students.
However, tests that were previously booked by instructors will still go ahead as planned.
Driving test fees remain unchanged at £62 for weekday tests and £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Learner drivers are still encouraged to speak with their instructor before booking a test. Drivers must now enter their instructor’s reference number during the booking process to confirm availability.
The DVSA said friends or family members can still help someone book or manage a test, but the learner driver must be present during the process.
All confirmations must also be sent directly to the learner’s email address or phone number.
Since March 31, learner drivers have also been limited to making two changes to an existing booking.
Under the previous system, drivers could make up to six changes to a test appointment.
The DVSA confirmed that drivers who had already used all six changes under the old rules were granted two additional changes from March 31.
Changing the date or time of a test counts as one change. Switching to another test centre also counts as a change, as does swapping a slot with another learner driver.
If multiple details are altered at the same time, such as the date and test centre, this will only count as one change.
The DVSA added that changes made by the agency itself will not count towards the limit.
Drivers who need to make more than two changes will now have to cancel their test entirely and book a new appointment.
Refunds will still be available if cancellations are made at least 10 working days before the test date.
Further restrictions will also come into force from June 9. Learner drivers wanting to move a test appointment will only be allowed to switch to one of the three closest test centres to their original booking.
The DVSA has urged learners to only book at centres they genuinely intend to use and to choose realistic test dates based on when they are expected to be ready.
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