Fewer driving test slots will be wasted as the government
announces an extension to the window for test cancellations to
prevent last minute changes.
From 8 April 2025, learner drivers will need to give more notice
when changing or cancelling their car driving test to avoid
losing their fee. Currently, customers can cancel up to 3 days
ahead of their test without losing their test fee.
Under the new rules, learners must give 10 full working days'
notice to change or cancel their test without losing the fee.
This is the latest action in the government's 7-point plan
to reduce waiting times and will allow more slots to be made
available.
Extending the window will also encourage customers to be better
prepared and ready to pass when they book their test – as well as
encourage learners to change or cancel their test sooner if
they're not ready and so give more chance for appointments to be
used by someone else.
Minister for the Future of Roads, , said:
Driving is more than just a means of transport; it is a lifeline
for many, opening doors to jobs, opportunities and ultimately
contributing to the growth of our economy. 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.
The change announced today (17 March 2025) is part of the
government's 7-point plan to help reduce driving test waiting
times.
Announced in December 2024, the plan includes:
- recruiting and training 450 driving examiners
- reviewing and improving the rules for booking driving tests
- introducing tougher terms and conditions for the service
driving instructors use to book and manage car driving tests for
their pupils
Loveday Ryder, DVSA's Chief
Executive, said:
Extending the short notice cancellation period for driving tests
forms part of our 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting
times.
This will encourage learners to change or cancel their test
sooner so we can offer up those slots to other customers.
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.
To further protect motorists given continued cost-of-living
pressures and potential fuel price volatility amid global
uncertainty, the government has also frozen fuel duty at current
levels for another year to support hardworking families and
businesses, saving the average car driver £59.
