Learner drivers planning to take their driving test in 2026 should be aware of important changes coming from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). These updates aim to improve road safety and deal with the long-standing backlog of driving tests across the UK.
The DVSA has been under pressure due to months-long waiting times for practical driving tests, with demand still far outweighing available slots.
According to the National Audit Office (NAO), the government’s target to reduce average driving test waiting times to seven weeks is unlikely to be achieved for another two years.
The backlog has become so severe that nearly one in three learner drivers are reportedly paying third-party agents up to £500 just to secure a test slot. Investigations revealed that the DVSA has struggled to recruit enough examiners despite multiple hiring campaigns.
The situation worsened during the pandemic, when around 1.1 million driving tests were cancelled in the 2020/21 financial year. Even now, around 360,000 of those tests have still not been rebooked.
To tackle test slot misuse and illegal reselling, the DVSA plans to introduce stricter booking rules from Spring 2026. While an exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet, the changes will significantly affect how learners book their tests.
Under the new rules:
These changes are designed to stop bulk bookings and the resale of test slots for profit.
The DVSA has confirmed that the following will count as a change:
Once two changes are used, no further modifications will be allowed.
From early 2026, the DVSA will also update the driving theory test to include more detailed questions on first aid, specifically focusing on:
The aim is to equip more drivers with life-saving knowledge and help improve the UK’s low survival rate from cardiac arrests.
These updates will not affect:
Official DVSA learning materials have already been updated, giving learner drivers plenty of time to prepare.
There has been growing discussion around possible changes to how drivers aged over 70 renew their licences, particularly regarding compulsory eye tests.
Some opticians have raised concerns about older drivers continuing to drive despite failing eyesight standards. However, the government has not announced any new rules so far.
While officials acknowledge the challenges of an ageing population, they have confirmed that the current renewal process remains unchanged.
Doctors, opticians, and even family members can also report concerns to the DVLA if they believe someone is unsafe to drive.
Any future updates are expected to be announced in the government’s Road Safety Strategy, due in late 2025.
Stoke Sentinel – Two key driving licence DVSA rule changes ‘coming early next year’
