The law is changing over driving tests
Provisional and Full licence cards (Image: Getty Images)
Learner drivers and driving instructors will face major changes next week as new laws are introduced for booking and managing tests. The updated rules only apply to car driving tests, they do not apply to other types of tests.
One of the key rule changes learner drivers will face is having to book car driving tests themselves via GOV.UK. A driving instructor will not be able to book it for you. Learner drivers should only book at a test centre they intend to use and will only be able to move the test to nearby centres.
Before attempting a driving test you must speak to your instructor to ensure you are ready for it. Other ways to make your learner experience as smooth as possible includes using your driving instructor’s reference number when you book and choosing a date you realistically expect to be ready by.
From May 12 2026, it will be against the law to change, cancel or swap a driving test for someone else. You will still be able to help someone you know to book and manage their driving test. They might be a friend, family member, or someone you support as part of your job.
The person you’re helping to book a test must be with you while you help them. You will need to ask the person you’re helping to complete as many of the steps as they can by themselves.
You can only book your driving test when you’ve passed your theory test. You do not need to pass another theory test if you’re upgrading an automatic car licence to a manual licence.
To pass the driving test you must be able to drive safely in different road and traffic conditions and show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive. There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have done before you book and take your test.
For your driving test, you must take your UK driving licence, your theory test pass certificate and a car if it meets the rules. Your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back if you do not take the correct things with you.
Statistics revealed that by September 2025, the typical waiting period for a driving test had reached 22 weeks, an increase from the five-week average recorded in early 2020.
The initial change to tests took effect last month. Since March 31, learner drivers have been limited to making just two amendments to their test date, reduced from the previous allowance of six.
Changing the date or time, changing the test centre and swapping your appointment with another learner driver who already has a test booked, all count as changes under the new laws.
If you book a new test from June 9 2026, you will only be able to move your test to any of the three centres nearest to where your test is booked or the test centre you first booked at on that current booking.
