The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued updated guidance affecting learner drivers. As per the GOV.UK announcement, updated on February 3, 2026, the amendments are applicable to residents across England, Scotland and Wales.
Their latest update reads: "From March 31 2026, you will only be allowed to make 2 changes to your car driving test appointment after you've booked it."
In a post on X (previously known as Twitter), the agency clarified: "This change is part of the outcome of our consultation to improve the way driving tests are booked and help stop learners being exploited."
With the organisation encouraging people to "only use your limited changes for genuine needs or emergencies", an implementation date has now been formally established for one of the forthcoming alterations.
As outlined, beginning March 31, people learning to drive will be restricted to making just 2 changes to their existing test booking. For those who have already exhausted all permitted changes under present regulations, confirmation has been given that a further 2 alterations will become available from March 31 2026.
"From later in spring 2026, you will only be able to move your test to centres near to where you originally booked", it added.
These things each count as a change:
If you need to make more changes after using your 2 changes, you will have to cancel your test and book a new one. DVSA confirm: "You will get a full refund if you do it at least 10 full working days’ before the test date."
Yes. While there is now a date set for the number of changes allowed, other changes are yet to be confirmed. DVSA say these "exact dates will be confirmed nearer the time."
So what are the current rules versus the new ones?
What do you think about these changes? Let us know in the comments.