The DVSA has introduced several major changes to the way driving tests are booked and managed in 2026. These changes are designed to tackle long waiting times, reduce test reselling, and make the booking system fairer for genuine learner drivers.
If you’re learning to drive in Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland, Washington, or the surrounding areas, here’s everything you need to know.
1. You Can Only Change Your Driving Test Twice
Since 31 March 2026, learners can only make two changes to a driving test booking. This includes:
- Changing the test date
- Changing the test time
- Changing the test centre
- Swapping a test appointment with another learner
Once you have used both changes, you will need to cancel your test and book a new one if you want to make further alterations. (GOV.UK)
2. Only Learners Can Book and Manage Driving Tests
Since 12 May 2026, only the learner driver can:
- Book a practical driving test
- Change a test appointment
- Cancel a test
- Manage their booking online
Driving instructors, driving schools, cancellation apps, and third-party booking services can no longer book or manage tests on behalf of learners. (GOV.UK)
This means learners must use the official GOV.UK service to manage their own bookings.
3. Restrictions on Changing Test Centres
From 9 June 2026, learners can only move their test to one of the three nearest driving test centres to their original booking location. (GOV.UK)
The DVSA says this will help prevent people from booking tests in locations where they never intended to take their test and reduce abuse of the booking system.
For learners in the North East, this means it’s more important than ever to book the test centre you genuinely plan to use.
4. Crackdown on Bots and Test Reselling
The DVSA has specifically targeted unofficial booking services, bots, and companies that were reserving driving tests and reselling them at inflated prices. These practices have contributed to long waiting times across the UK. (GOV.UK)
The new rules are intended to ensure that available test appointments go directly to learner drivers who are ready to take their test.
5. The DVSA Is Increasing Test Capacity
Alongside the booking changes, the DVSA continues to recruit additional driving examiners and increase testing capacity across Great Britain. The agency reported having its highest number of driving examiners since 2018 and is continuing efforts to reduce waiting times. (carwow.co.uk)
What This Means for Learners
The biggest takeaway is simple:
Only book your driving test when your instructor agrees that you’re genuinely test-ready.
With fewer booking changes available and tighter controls on managing appointments, careful planning is now more important than ever.
At Drive Automatic, we continue to help our learners prepare properly before booking a test, ensuring they have the best possible chance of passing and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Need Automatic Driving Lessons?
Drive Automatic provides professional automatic driving lessons across:
- Durham
- Bishop Auckland
- Shildon
- Spennymoor
- Newcastle
- Gosforth
- Sunderland
- Washington
If you’re looking to start lessons or prepare for your practical test, contact our team today.
📞 0330 094 6898
🌐 www.driveautomatic.co.uk