Learner drivers will need to give more notice to cancel tests
The Government hopes the change will ease the backlog of driving test slots.
Learner drivers in Britain will need to give more notice if they want to cancel or postpone a practical test as part of efforts to reduce the backlog for slots.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that from April 8, it will only be possible to make changes up to 10 working days before a booked slot, compared with three working days currently.
DfT officials hope this will incentivise learners to wait until they are ready to pass before they book a test, and encourage people to pull out of tests sooner, meaning there is more chance their spot can be taken by someone else.
The change is part of a seven-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times.
Other measures include recruiting and training 450 driving examiners, and introducing tougher terms and conditions for the service instructors use to book and manage tests for their pupils.
As of December 18, the waiting time for a driving test was nearly 21 weeks in England, more than 15 weeks in Scotland, and 13 weeks in Wales.
There are various reasons for the backlog, such as coronavirus lockdowns and industrial action by examiners.
Lilian Greenwood, minister for the future of roads, said: “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.”
Driving tests cost £62 during weekday daytimes and £75 during evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
But many slots are being sold by third parties for several times the official price.
Investigations found some people are using software to block-book tests as soon as they become available on the Government’s website, and then re-selling them to learners desperate to pass.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been given a target of reducing waiting times to seven weeks by December.
DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder said: “We remain committed to reducing driving test waiting times and supporting learners in getting on the road when they are truly ready and safe to do so.”
Government figures show 93,204 practical car driving tests taken in the year to the end of March 2024 were at least the candidate’s sixth attempt at passing.
