Across the UK, learners attempting to book their driving tests will see another major rule change in the coming weeks. From June 9, learner drivers will need to be aware of a change that puts a limit on bookings.
It will be the newest rule to come into force across the country, as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) updates the system that runs across England, Scotland and Wales. Up until June 8, provisional drivers can book their test at any of the UK-wide test centres.
But, when learner drivers book a test from June 9, 2026, they will only be able to move their test to a new date or time at the test centre they first booked at on that current booking, or any of the three centres nearest to where their test was originally booked.
If drivers decide to move their test to another test centre, they are allowed to make one more change, as per updated DVSA rules. A second change offers learners the option to choose among the three test centres closest to their chosen location.
Even if it is not already on the list of nearby centres, students can use their second chance to return to their original test location. Several rule changes to the driving test system have already come into effect from May 12, 2026, as learner drivers will be the only ones able to book and manage their test.
Before May 12, driving instructors could book and manage tests on behalf of students. But the change means that pupils will have to communicate with their instructor and plan their test (and any changes) accordingly.
Back in March 2026, students were also given a new restriction on the number of times that test dates could be changed without facing an extra cost. Until the rule change, learner drivers had up to six amendments, but this has been slashed down to just two.
What will I need to do when all the new rules are in place?On and after June 9, all of the updated driving test rules will be in place across the UK. Before you book, speak to your driving instructor to agree that you're ready to take the test.
Students should ask for their driving instructor's reference number, as this is required when making a booking, and pick a time and date that works for them and their instructor (if they need to use their vehicle for the test). Only book at a test centre you intend to use.
From June 9, students will only be able to move their test to nearby centres. After looking up your local centre, it could be worth considering the two nearest centres you qualify for as a precaution, in case you need to move your original test date to an earlier or later date.
The GOV.UK website says: "Choose a date you realistically expect to be ready by. You are only allowed to make two changes to your appointment."
What counts as a change?As listed on the GOV.UK website, only these things count as a change:
- changing the date or time
- changing the test centre
- swapping your appointment with another learner driver who already has a test booked
Gov.uk adds: "If you change more than one thing at the same time (for example, the date and test centre together), this still counts as one change."
Updating your address or contact details on your booking, adding or removing your driving instructor's reference number and any changes that DVSA needs to make to your test (for example, due to bad weather) will not count against you as one of the two changes allowed per appointment.
-
UK airline suddenly plunged into liquidation - in business since 2004

-
Mum accused of killing daughter 'stopped to buy lottery ticket on way to hospital'

-
Delhi HC sets aside Centre's decision rejecting OCI card to The Wire's Siddharth Varadarajan

-
Women and youth at the centre of Uttar Pradesh's anti-drug awareness drive

-
'I was on Mastermind - this is how much you really get paid for appearing'
