You’ll want to act fast when booking your test in 2026: new rules limit how many changes you can make, require you to book your own appointment, and restrict where you can move a booked slot. Know these limits now so you don’t lose flexibility or end up canceling and rebooking.
They should check dates, plan realistically with their instructor, and keep the instructor’s reference number handy when booking to avoid double bookings and wasted time. Expect stricter move rules and a two-change cap that take effect from spring 2026, with the two-change limit starting 31 March 2026.
Practical tips and a breakdown of what counts as a “change” will follow, plus guidance on using the online system and when canceling might be the only option.
Major Driving Test Booking Changes in 2026
The DVSA introduces rules that affect who can book and manage a car driving test, how many times a booking can be changed, and where a test can be moved. Learners must book themselves, will have only two post-booking changes, and can only relocate tests to nearby centres.
Learner-Only Bookings: How It Works
From later in spring 2026, only the learner driver can create or manage a car driving test booking on GOV.UK. Instructors lose the ability to book on behalf of pupils; however, learners can enter their instructor’s personal reference number so the system checks instructor availability when booking. The learner must use the online service and the email they provided to receive booking communications.
This change applies only to car driving tests and will not affect other test categories. It aims to stop third‑party or automated systems taking slots before genuine learners access them. Learners should coordinate with instructors before booking to avoid double‑booking and to choose realistic test dates.
Limits on Changes and Test Centre Selection
From 31 March 2026, learners will be limited to two changes per booking. Each change includes altering date/time, switching test centres, or swapping appointments with another learner. If a learner exhausts the two allowed changes, they must cancel and rebook, eligible for a full refund only if cancellation happens at least 10 full working days before the test date.
From later in spring 2026, moving a test will be restricted to test centres near the original booking location. Learners should book at a centre they intend to use and reserve changes for genuine needs or emergencies. Instructors can still set availability windows so the booking system can validate that an instructor is free when the learner books.
Why These Booking Rules Are Changing
The DVSA says the changes will make booking fairer and reduce waiting times by preventing automated or third‑party systems from reserving slots. Restricting who can manage bookings and cutting the number of allowed changes reduces opportunistic rebooking and helps the test service run more predictably.
Administratively, limiting moves to nearby centres also reduces last‑minute reshuffling that creates gaps in the test schedule. Learners and instructors must adapt: learners take direct responsibility for bookings and instructors manage availability through the online service to avoid conflicts.
For official guidance and exact timing, consult the DVSA’s page on changes to driving test booking rules in 2026.
Practical Tips for New Drivers Before Booking
New drivers should confirm readiness with their instructor, pick a test centre close to their planned training area, and understand the stricter booking limits and how to use the GOV.UK system. Follow a checklist, know the two-change rule, and verify instructor availability before committing to a date.
Getting Ready with Your Instructor
They must agree a clear pass plan before booking a driving test. The instructor should sign off on specific skills: independent driving for the required duration, controlled stops, and safe use of dual carriageways where applicable.
They should schedule at least one mock test on the same route type as the real test. Use the mock to time manoeuvres and spot recurring faults. The instructor’s personal reference number must be added during booking so the system checks availability and prevents double bookings.
They should confirm required documents and vehicle details are ready for test day. These include provisional licence, theory pass confirmation if applicable, and vehicle insurance and MOT status. Book only when the instructor says the candidate is consistently meeting the standard.
Choosing the Right Test Centre
Pick a test centre near where most lessons take place to reduce unfamiliar road layouts on test day. New drivers should consider traffic patterns at the proposed time of day and the centre’s typical test routes.
Check test-centre amenities: nearby parking for the test vehicle, availability of quiet waiting areas, and public transport links for drop-off. If the instructor covers multiple nearby centres, selecting the primary one used in lessons helps maintain consistency.
Avoid centres known for high congestion or complex junctions if the candidate is borderline on confidence. If uncertain, one or two trial drives to the centre at test hour can reveal peak traffic and parking conditions to plan around.
Planning for the New Booking System
They must book their driving test personally on GOV.UK and not rely on the instructor to make the booking. From spring 2026, only the candidate can manage bookings and moves will be limited to two changes after 31 March 2026.
Use the instructor’s reference number when booking so the system verifies instructor availability automatically. Treat the two-change allowance as precious; only use changes for genuine emergencies or medical reasons.
If more than two changes are needed, the candidate must cancel and rebook and will get a refund only if cancellation is at least 10 full working days before the test. Keep a screenshot or email confirmation of each booking change for records.
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