DVSA ‘taking motion’ and confirms major May change | Tech News
Learner drivers will likely be pressured to take full control of their exams below sweeping new guidelines launched by the DVSA.
From May 12, 2026, solely the learner themselves will likely be allowed to e book, change or swap a car driving check – in a major overhaul confirmed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
The transfer follows mounting anger over so-called ‘test resellers’ snapping up slots and flogging them on at inflated costs, making it tougher for real learners to get on the street. Announcing the crackdown, the company mentioned it’s “taking action” after calls to make the system fairer.
Crackdown on middlemen
Under the adjustments, third events – together with driving instructors – will likely be banned from reserving or managing exams on behalf of learners.
From May, it should additionally turn into unlawful for anybody else to:
- Book a driving check for another person
- Change a check reserving
- Swap check appointments
Learners will as a substitute need to undergo the official GOV.UK system themselves and affirm they’re the particular person taking the check.
However, associates or household can nonetheless help – however provided that the learner is current and completes the method themselves.
Fewer adjustments allowed
The shake-up begins earlier, with limits tightening from March 31, 2026.
Learners will solely have the ability to change their check twice, down from the present six adjustments.
Officials warn drivers to choose real looking dates, as as soon as the 2 adjustments are used up, they should cancel and rebook – though refunds will nonetheless be out there if cancelled not less than 10 working days prematurely.
New limits on switching check centres
Further restrictions will come into power from June 9, 2026, limiting how far learners can transfer their check.
Instead of switching to any check centre nationwide, drivers will solely have the ability to transfer their reserving to:
- One of the three nearest check centres, or
- The unique check centre they booked
This is designed to stop candidates reserving exams removed from home merely to secure earlier slots.
Instructors locked out
The adjustments will mark a vital shift for driving instructors, who presently typically deal with bookings for pupils.
From May, they’ll no longer be allowed to e book or handle exams in any respect, though they’ll nonetheless:
- Provide their teacher reference quantity
- Set their availability for check dates
Any exams already booked by instructors will nonetheless go forward, however learners will need their reference numbers to handle them going ahead.
What occurs subsequent
The DVSA says it should contact affected customers earlier than the principles come into power, utilizing the e-mail handle linked to their reserving.
The overhaul applies throughout England, Scotland and Wales, and solely impacts car driving exams – not different vehicle classes.
The adjustments are half of a wider push to deal with long ready instances and restore equity to a system that has been suffering from delays and exploitation.
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