Changes to driving test booking rules

The rules for booking practical car driving tests are changing to make the system fairer and more secure. These changes are part of the outcome of our consultation to improve the way driving tests are booked.

What's changing

From 31 March 2026 you and your pupils will only be able to change a car driving test up to 2 times (reduced from 6). This applies to all car driving tests booked by you or your pupils.

Swapping tests between 2 of your pupils will count towards this limit, so we’d encourage you to make sure your pupils only book their test when they’re ready to take it.

Managing your availability

You can set times when you're available to take your pupils to their driving tests. This stops your pupils from booking tests at times that do not work for you.

When your pupils use your ADI personal reference number to book their test, they will not be shown appointments at times you've marked as unavailable.

You can set:

• morning and afternoon hours you're available for each day of the week

• one-off times you're unavailable, such as when you're on holiday

• how long you need between one test ending and the next one starting

Find out how to manage your availability for driving tests.

Ready to Pass? campaign

We’re creating new messaging to share with learner drivers through paid media advertising to encourage them to take action before the changes are introduced.

We're also working on updating the campaign toolkit to help you communicate these changes with your pupils.  

We will be running webinars later this month to give you the opportunity to talk to DVSA officials about the upcoming changes, learn more about the paid media campaign and the updated toolkit.

We will share dates and details about how to book your place, so look out for future emails.

You can also read more about the changes on GOV.UK.