News

🚗 Important Update: Upcoming Changes to DVSA Driving Test Bookings

Hi everyone,

The DVSA has  (12 November) announced major changes to the driving test booking system, due to take effect in spring 2026. These are designed to make the process fairer and to stop third-party resellers exploiting learners by charging inflated prices for test slots.

What’s changing

  • Only learner drivers will be able to book and manage their own driving tests. Instructors will no longer be able to do this on your behalf.

  • Learners will be limited to two swaps or changes of a booking, and only within a restricted local area once the test is confirmed.

  • The DVSA will temporarily use Ministry of Defence driving examiners for up to 12 months to help reduce waiting times.

These changes require legislative and technical updates, so they’re expected to go live around April 2026.

What this means for you

If you already have a driving test booked between now and May 2026, nothing changes — your booking remains valid.

Once the new system begins:

  • You will be responsible for booking and managing your own test through the official GOV.UK website.

  • I’ll no longer be able to source or move tests on your behalf, including short-notice cancellations.

  • Before booking any future test, please check with me first to make sure I’m available for that date and time.

  • If two pupils accidentally book the same slot, I can only accompany the one whose booking was confirmed with me first. There is more than one test at each test time at each test centre as there are multiple examiners.

A quick note about test availability

With these reforms coming, some third-party resellers who’ve been hoarding test slots may try to offload their remaining stock before they lose access.
If you buy through these resellers, you do so entirely at your own risk. From today, I can only assist with tests booked via the official DVSA website or the DVSA instructor booking portal to protect you from fake or non-existent tests.

I anticipate that there will be an increase in fake test sellers advertising test slots that simply don’t exist. These new rules will remove around £150 million per year in illegal reseller income, which creates the perfect storm for unsuspecting drivers to be targeted.
If you already have a test booked, my advice is not to look for an earlier date through any third party.
Those who have not yet booked a test will still be able to do so through me and the official DVSA portal until the DVSA eventually withdraws instructor access next year.

My plan going forward

I’ll be managing test availability carefully to prevent clashes and ensure fairness for everyone.
Each pupil will be given approved test dates based on my schedule and the test centres I cover.
You’ll only book once I confirm that the slot is free — keeping the process smooth, fair and stress-free.

You don’t need to do anything right now. Continue your lessons as normal, and if you already have a test booked, keep preparing for it.
I’ll contact each of you individually as more information becomes available.

Thanks,
Sean