Bill Plant Driving School is urging learner drivers to prepare for the recent driving test changes introduced by the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency.
The changes, published in a full report this month, are designed to make the system fairer, reduce misuse, and give learner drivers more control.
Following a nationwide consultation with driving students, instructors, and parents, the new regulations are expected to take effect in the spring of 2026. So what are the key changes?
Learner drivers will now book their own tests
Only learner drivers will be eligible to book and monitor their driving test examinations under the new amendments. The DVSA claims that this action is essential to prevent automated systems and illegitimate businesses from bulk-booking tests and reselling them at inflated rates, therefore driving instructors, schools, and third-party services are no longer able to do this on their behalf.
Test adjustments
In an effort to cut down on speculative test bookings and increase availability to students who are actually prepared to take the test, learners will also only be allowed to make two adjustments to their reservation, including date swaps. You also won’t be able to move your test to a completely different part of the country.
The report reveals that more than 70% of consultation respondents backed learner-only booking, demonstrating the public’s strong backing for the change. According to the DVSA, the modification will guarantee that test times are still accessible at the regular cost and stop students from being pushed down the list by resellers.
The revisions are long overdue, according to driving experts. Dave Leverton, Academy Director at Bill Plant Driving School said,“Having consulted with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for some time on the thorny topic of driving test waiting times, I very much support the measures being introduced, although the long runway to get them in place remains an ongoing legislative challenge.
“This isn’t a problem that’s going to go away overnight but by finally removing the opportunities for third parties to exploit the situation to their own significant financial advantage, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.”
Experts note that while instructors will no longer be allowed to personally schedule tests, their role is still essential, especially when it concerns assisting students in avoiding the two most typical mistakes: booking too early and frequently shifting test dates.
“Learning to drive isn’t about how quickly someone can get to test. Good driving instructors prepare their pupils for a lifetime of safe driving and this takes time and effort. Too many young people are killed or seriously injured on our roads every year and many of these could be avoided. Every pupil is different, but 45 hours is a good benchmark and should be viewed as an investment in developing an important life skill that will help ensure many years of safe and competent driving, ” added Dave.”
Students are advised by Bill Plant Driving School to be candid with their instructors about their preparedness, select a test location in advance, and stay away from illegitimate booking websites that could impose extra costs.
Prior to the 2026 rollout, the DVSA has confirmed that necessary technical and legal updates may be made to ensure that learners with accessibility needs or limited digital skills are not disadvantaged by the new system. The precise implementation date will be disclosed closer to the time.
