DVSA announce rule changes for driving test cancellations to reduce waiting times
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed new plans to reduce waiting times for driving tests.
There will now be an extension to the cancellation notice period for driving tests, aiming to reduce wasted slots and prevent last-minute changes.
From April 8th 2025, those who are learning to drive will be required to give more notice when changing or cancelling their driving test in order to avoid losing their fee.
Currently, learners can cancel up to three days before their test without losing the fee.
Under the new regulations, learners must provide 10 full working days' notice to change or cancel their test without incurring a fee.
DVSA classes Monday to Saturday as working days, with Sundays and public holidays not included.
The new rule only applies to car driving tests, as learner drivers will still to need to give three full working days’ notice to change or cancel their theory tests.
In 2024, approximately 60,000 test appointments were missed due to people not showing up. This is equivalent to the number of tests that 45 full-time driving examiners could conduct in a year.
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The driving test rule change is part of the DVSA's seven-point plan to reduce waiting times.
As part of the plan, the DVSA is recruiting 450 new driving examiners across Great Britain. It is also reviewing and improving the driving test booking process and implementing stricter terms for driving instructors managing test bookings for their students.
DVSA is running a consultation on new proposals to increase the amount of time people have to wait to book another test if they fail and explore ways of changing how far ahead car driving tests can be booked - which is currently set at 24 weeks.
Loveday Ryder, DVSA’s Chief Executive, said: “Extending the short notice cancellation period for driving tests forms part of our seven-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times.
“This will encourage learners to change or cancel their test sooner so we can offer up those slots to other customers."
Following the announcement, Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, commented: “The measures announced today are another vital step in tackling the driving test backlog and ensuring that more learners who are ready to take their test can do so without unnecessary delays.
“These new measures will ensure that driving test appointments are used efficiently, encouraging learners to make adjustments to their schedules sooner, should they not be fully prepared.”
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