The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is making changes to reduce waiting times for driving tests, starting with new rules around cancellations. From April 8, 2025, learner drivers will need to give at least 10 working days’ notice if they want to cancel or reschedule their test without losing their fee. At the moment, learners can cancel up to three days before their test and still get a refund, but that will no longer be the case.
The change comes after figures showed that around 60,000 driving test appointments were wasted in 2024 because people simply didn’t show up. That’s the equivalent of 45 full-time examiners conducting tests for an entire year. By extending the cancellation period, the DVSA hopes to free up more slots for those who are actually ready to take their test.
A working day is classed as Monday to Saturday, while Sundays and public holidays don’t count. This means learners will need to plan ahead if they want to avoid losing their fee. However, the new rule only applies to practical driving tests. Theory tests will still follow the current system, where learners only need to give three full working days' notice to cancel or reschedule.
Alongside the cancellation rule change, the DVSA is introducing other measures to reduce driving test wait times. It is in the process of recruiting 450 new examiners across Great Britain, tightening regulations for driving instructors who book tests on behalf of students, and reviewing the entire booking system. There are also proposals to increase the time people have to wait before they can book another test if they fail, as well as a review of how far in advance tests can be booked, which is currently set at 24 weeks.
DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder 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."
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, also supported the move, saying “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.
With demand for driving tests still high, these changes could help free up more appointments. However, some learners may find it frustrating to have to plan even further in advance.
What do you think—will this help clear up long waits for driving tests, or just make things more difficult for learners?
