On 9 December, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) published the full consultation report on proposed changes to the driving test booking system. The consultation aimed to improve fairness, reduce misuse, and ensure learner drivers are not exploited by third-party booking services.
The report confirms that major changes will be introduced from spring 2026, reshaping how driving tests are booked and managed across the UK.
Following analysis of consultation responses, the DVSA confirmed two major outcomes:
These changes are designed to improve fairness and stop the manipulation of test availability.
Alongside the consultation report, the DVSA published a supporting blog post by Christian Oreschnick, DVSA’s Driver and Rider Service Development Lead.
The blog explains:
This additional context helps learners and instructors understand how consultation feedback directly shaped policy.
The DVSA confirmed that over 11,000 Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) responded to the consultation, alongside learner drivers, parents, and industry stakeholders.
Responses were carefully reviewed by audience group, including:
Decisions were made based on quality of feedback, not just the number of responses.
One of the main consultation questions focused on who should be allowed to book and manage driving tests.
| Audience Group | Option A – Learners Only | Option B – Shared Booking | Option C – Keep Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learner drivers | 79.6% | 45.0% | 34.0% |
| ADIs / Trainee licence holders | 47.8% | 23.0% | 54.6% |
| Driving schools | 31.1% | 7.0% | 69.8% |
| Overall | 70.7% | 38.8% | 40.0% |
The DVSA confirmed it will introduce Option A.
This means:
The DVSA stated that the main goal is to make the system fairer and more transparent.
This change will:
The DVSA stressed this decision is not a criticism of instructors, most of whom use the system responsibly. ADIs will still be able to:
Support from the Ready to Pass? campaign will continue.
Special arrangements are also being developed to support learners with accessibility needs or learning difficulties.
The second consultation question focused on how often driving test bookings should be changed.
| Audience Group | Option A – Remove Swaps | Option B – Limit to Two | Option C – Keep Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learner drivers | 20.2% | 44.6% | 41.6% |
| ADIs / Trainee licence holders | 26.2% | 50.8% | 48.4% |
| Driving schools | 7.4% | 12.7% | 87.3% |
| Overall | 20.1% | 42.4% | 46.0% |
The DVSA confirmed it will introduce Option B, meaning:
This approach balances flexibility for learners while preventing misuse.
Consultation evidence showed:
These changes will:
Technical details of geographic restrictions are still being finalised and will be shared ahead of implementation.
The DVSA plans to implement these changes from spring 2026.
Key next steps include:
The DVSA has confirmed that clear notice will be given before changes take effect.
The DVSA thanked all contributors to the consultation, confirming that industry and learner feedback has been essential in shaping a fairer and more secure driving test booking system. The agency remains committed to working closely with instructors and learners to ensure a smooth transition.
This article is rewritten and paraphrased from official DVSA and GOV.UK consultation publications.
