Driving test booking rules 2026: what's changed
Only you can now book, change or cancel your car driving test. Paying someone else to do it, or to find you a cancellation, is no longer allowed.
Short answer
Since 12 May 2026 it has been against the law for anyone but the learner to book, change or cancel a car driving test, including driving instructors and paid booking services. You can change a booking twice, and you can only move a test to one of the three nearest test centres.
The changes, in order
| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| 31 March 2026 | You can change a booking twice, down from six times. Changes DVSA makes, for example for bad weather, don't count and reset your allowance to two. |
| 12 May 2026 | Only the learner can book, change or cancel a car test. Instructors and third-party services can't, and apps or sites that scan for cancellations are banned. |
| 9 June 2026 | You can only move a test to one of the three nearest test centres, or back to the centre you first booked. |
| 19 June 2026 | Changes reset by DVSA can be used online, not only by phone. |
What a car test should cost
The official fee is £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Nobody else is allowed to sell you a test slot at any price. Book directly on GOV.UK.
Report a reseller
If someone offers to sell you a test, use a bot to find one, or book with your details, you can report them to DVSA. You don't have to give your name.
What instructors can still do
Your instructor can tell you when you're ready and set their own availability, but they can't book or move your test. If they booked your test before 12 May 2026 it still stands, and they must give you its reference number.
Waiting times
Tests are still hard to get. The AA put the average wait at 22.4 weeks at the start of April 2026. With only two changes allowed, book when you're genuinely ready rather than early.
Lorry and bus tests work differently
The new rules only apply to car tests. If you're learning to drive a lorry or bus, your training school can still book your test for you. Nobody may use your details to book a lorry or bus test without your permission, so a school should only book with your agreement.
Lorry tests cost more and have more parts than a car test. See what an HGV licence costs in Kent.