UK Driving Test Changes Now in Force to Improve Road Safety and Save Lives

Published Date :

31 December 2025

UK Driving Test Changes Now in Force to Improve Road Safety

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced several updates to the UK practical driving test. These changes aim to better prepare learner drivers for real-world conditions and improve overall road safety.

Key Changes to the UK Driving Test

Fewer pull-over stops
- Reduced from four to three during the test.
Less frequent emergency stops
- Now included in around 1 in 7 tests, instead of 1 in 3.
More time on higher-speed roads
- Learners must now spend longer driving on faster roads, including rural routes.

Why Learners Are Spending More Time on Faster Roads

The DVSA wants tests to reflect real driving conditions after passing.
Rural and high-speed roads are commonly used by new drivers.
These roads require better judgment, speed control, and hazard awareness.

Safety Data Behind the Decision

48% of serious or fatal crashes involving drivers aged 17–24 (2019–2023) happened on rural roads.
For drivers aged 25 and over, the figure was 42%.
Younger drivers are therefore at a higher risk on faster, less familiar roads.

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What Officials Are Saying

Simon Lightwood, Roads Minister
- Focusing driving tests on higher-speed roads helps address major risks for young drivers.
- The goal is to reduce collisions and save lives.
Amanda Lane, DVSA Head of Driver Testing Policy
- High-speed and rural roads are among the most challenging for new drivers.
- Testing these skills ensures learners are prepared for everyday driving.

Ongoing Driving Test Backlog in the UK

The target of reducing average waiting times to 7 weeks is unlikely to be met until November 2027.
Nearly 1 in 3 learners are paying third parties up to £500 to secure test slots.
The DVSA has struggled to recruit enough examiners despite multiple campaigns.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Driving Tests

1.1 million tests were cancelled in the 2020/21 financial year due to restrictions.
Around 360,000 tests from that period have still not been rebooked.

Problems with Test Booking Systems

Third parties use automated software (bots) to quickly book available slots.
This makes it difficult for the DVSA to understand real demand.
Learners often miss out on bookings unless they use paid services.

This structured format makes the information easier to scan, understand, and remember—especially for readers looking for quick updates on UK driving test changes.

Source & Reference:

UK driving test change now in force to help save lives

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