08/05/2026
🟥 Driving Test Booking Changes – From Tuesday 12th May 2026 🟥
New DVSA rules, effective from 12th May, mean driving instructors can no longer book, change, or cancel driving tests for pupils. Only the test candidate can manage their own test booking.
Booking Your Driving Test
For existing pupils of Select Drivers, whose tests have already been booked through their instructor, these will remain in place. However, any future management (change or cancellation) of the test will require to be completed by the test candidate.
For new bookings from 12th May 2026:
🟢 Only the test candidate is permitted to book, change, or cancel their own test.
🟢 The candidate will need to agree to new DVSA terms confirming they are the test candidate.
🟢 Adding the instructor’s reference number (they will advise you of this) during the booking process will ensure the instructor is available.
🟢 All DVSA emails and updates will go directly to the email used for the booking. Please keep your instructor informed of any changes.
🟥 Someone can still help the candidate book their test, but the candidate must be present and involved in the process. The contact details used must belong to the candidate or be accessible to the candidate.
Changing or Swapping Test Dates
🟢 The candidate should speak to their instructor in the first instance if they need to change a test date. This is to confirm when they are ready for independent driving and therefore ready for their practical test. In addition, their instructor may be able to arrange a swap with another of their own, or a colleague's, pupil.
🟢 Once a swap is agreed, both candidates must arrange a mutually convenient time to be available for the DVSA contact. One candidate will telephone the DVSA to initiate the change. With the first candidate on hold, the DVSA will then telephone the second candidate.
🟢 See this link for full details on checks to be made prior to the telephone call and what to expect once contact has been made.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/swapping-your-driving-test-with-another-learner-driver
🟢 No immediate email will be sent by the DVSA but any future test date reminders will note the new date and time.
🟥 Since 31st March 2026, a test candidate can only change their test date, time, or centre twice. After that, they must cancel and rebook a new test.
If the DVSA changes the test date or time, the change limit resets to two.
🟥 NEVER share your full personal information (name / address / email / driving licence number) with another candidate or individual.
Once a switch had been identified, only share your driving test reference number with the other candidate - no other details are necessary.
Note - Telephone numbers may have to be exchanged to arrange a mutually convenient time to be available for the switch phone call.
Only provide full personal details through official DVSA channels.
🟥 Do not use cancellations or swaps apps. When the DVSA note this, the driving licence number will be flagged to them. Any further changes will require to be made by phone call directly to the DVSA with the possibility of your test being fully cancelled by them. Should the test candidate require an alternative date, speak to your instructor as they may be able to assist to find a suitable alternative date - although the actual switch will require to be completed by the test candidate themselves.
Full details of these changes can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/changes-to-driving-test-booking-rules-in-2026 -booking-rules-in-2026
As these changes settle in, we may see further updates to these rules. We will endeavour to keep you informed as these happen.
