Rahul Somvanshi
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing a major change to driving test cancellation rules that will affect thousands of learner drivers across the UK.
Starting April 8, 2025, learners will need to give 10 working days’ notice when cancelling or changing their driving test appointments – a significant increase from the current three-day requirement. Failing to provide this extended notice will result in losing the test fee, which currently stands at around £62 for a weekday test.
The DVSA says this change directly targets the problem of wasted test slots. Last year alone, approximately 60,000 appointments went unused because people simply didn’t show up – equivalent to the workload of 45 full-time driving examiners for an entire year.
Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood described the situation bluntly: “No one should have to wait six months when they’re ready to pass, travel to the other side of the country to take a driving test or be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can’t afford to wait.”
What’s changing?
- The notice period increases from 3 to 10 working days (Monday-Saturday count as working days; Sundays and public holidays don’t)
- This applies only to car driving tests – motorcycle, theory, and other specialist tests keep the 3-day rule
- The change takes effect from April 8, 2025
- The DVSA is emailing all affected learners with specific deadline information
Why the change matters
The extended notice period aims to tackle the persistent problem of test backlog. When learners cancel with very little notice, these slots often go unfilled because other candidates can’t arrange lessons or transportation on such short notice.
In some parts of the UK, particularly urban areas, learners face waiting times of over six months for a test appointment. This has created genuine hardship for people whose job prospects depend on getting their license quickly.
MP Kevin McKenna highlighted one case during a parliamentary debate: “She can’t start a job because she needs to be able to drive for the job, she’ll be working in shifts, all she could find was a driving test months down the line in Birmingham, 150 miles away.”
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Exceptions to the rule
The DVSA confirms refunds will still be available for those cancelling with less than 10 days’ notice in specific circumstances:
- Illness or injury
- Bereavement
- School or college exams
- Stolen driving licence
Part of a broader plan
This change is just one of seven measures the DVSA is implementing to cut waiting times:
- Recruiting 450 additional driving examiners
- Improving the booking system
- Extending the rebooking period after failing from 10 to 28 working days
- Taking action against companies exploiting test slot bookings
Later this year, the DVSA will also consult on proposals to further reduce wasted tests, including possibly charging penalty fees for no-shows and increasing the waiting time before booking another test.
For learner drivers, especially those on tight budgets or with job prospects dependent on getting their license, this change means planning ahead has never been more important.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new DVSA cancellation rules will come into effect on April 8, 2025. From this date, learner drivers will need to give 10 working days’ notice when cancelling or changing their driving test appointments, instead of the current three-day requirement.
If you fail to provide the required 10 working days’ notice when cancelling or changing your driving test appointment, you will lose your entire test fee. Currently, this fee stands at around £62 for a weekday test. There are some exceptions that qualify for refunds even with less notice, such as illness, bereavement, school exams, or a stolen driving license.
No, the new 10-day notice period only applies to car driving tests. Other types of tests, including motorcycle tests, theory tests, and other specialist tests, will continue to follow the current 3-day cancellation notice period.
For the purposes of the DVSA’s new cancellation policy, Monday through Saturday count as working days. Sundays and public holidays do not count as working days when calculating the 10-day notice period.
The DVSA is making this change to address the significant problem of wasted test slots. Last year, approximately 60,000 appointments went unused because people didn’t show up, which is equivalent to the workload of 45 full-time driving examiners for an entire year. The extended notice period aims to reduce the test backlog and ensure that cancelled slots can be reallocated to other learners, particularly in areas where waiting times exceed six months.
Yes, the DVSA will still provide refunds for those cancelling with less than 10 days’ notice in specific circumstances. These exceptions include:
- Illness or injury
- Bereavement
- School or college exams
- Stolen driving licence
If any of these circumstances apply to you, you should contact the DVSA as soon as possible with appropriate evidence to request your refund.
