The DVSA has unveiled major changes to the driving test booking system, which will launch within days, as thousands of motorists could benefit.
Under new plans from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), learner motorists will be able to swap their driving test with another learner.
From May 12, 2026, people will only be able to swap their own car driving test with another learner driver, and the swap must match exactly.
It is against the law for other people, including driving instructors or websites, to swap a driving test with someone else.
When swapping a test, drivers must ensure all details are the same, including the exact test date, time and test centre.
Both learners will be required to have at least one of their two allotted changes available, which was recently confirmed by the DVSA.
Motorists are able to make two changes, allowing them to find an earlier test, move their test to a later date or change which test centre they take their test at.
These swaps must be requested at least 10 full working days before the earliest of the two tests, or it will be denied.
The DVSA has confirmed new driving test rules which are set to launch this month
|
GETTY/DVSA/PA
Prior to June 9, 2026, motorists can swap a test with a learner booked at any driving test centre, provided they meet other requirements.
After this date, they can only swap with another learner whose test is booked at the same test centre, one of the three nearest centres or the test centre that was originally booked.
The type of test must also be the same, including:
- Weekday tests (£62)
- Evening, weekend and bank holiday tests (£75)
- Tests given extra time for disabilities, health conditions or learning difficulties
- Extended driving test for disqualified drivers on weekdays (£124)
- Extended driving test for disqualified drivers at evenings, weekends and bank holidays (£150)
The DVSA said it was introducing new test rules to help learner drivers
|
PADrivers must also ensure that both driving instructors are available, while swapping can only take place by phone.
Before they call the DVLA, they should have their own driving licence number, their own driving test booking reference number, the details of the payment card used to book the test and details about any other tests they’ve taken before.
These measures have been taken by the DVSA to slash the number of tests in the backlog, as thousands of drivers face months-long waits to get to a test centre.
The DVSA said it was making these changes to crack down on third-party services abusing the test booking system.
Thousands of learner drivers have faced months-long delays to take a driving test
|
PASimon Lightwood, Roads and Buses Minister, said the DVSA was making changes to benefit learner drivers who deal with the booking system.
He added: “Learners deserve clear, honest access to tests – not being ripped off by third-party sites.
“These changes put learners back in control, stop the system being gamed, and help make sure tests go to those who really need them.
“I welcome DVSA’s action to make things fairer and support learners on their journey to becoming safe, confident drivers.”