Important update
12 June 2026
DVSA cracks down on illegal test bookings — what learners need to know
Following the rule change on 12 May 2026 that means only learner drivers can book, change, swap, or cancel their own driving test, the DVSA has begun taking direct action against people misusing the booking system. We want to make sure all our pupils understand what's happening and, most importantly, how to stay on the right side of the rules.
Tests are being cancelled
The DVSA has started cancelling driving tests it has identified as being booked or managed in breach of the new rules. So far, more than 450 tests have been cancelled — these were booked using payment cards that had paid for multiple tests for different learners, which shows they weren't booked by the learner actually taking the test. The DVSA's terms and conditions allow them to cancel tests in these circumstances, and they've confirmed this monitoring will continue indefinitely.
Booking suspensions and removed apps
Over 4,000 online booking suspensions have now been placed on the system. A suspension means the licence holder can no longer book or manage tests online and must call the DVSA customer service centre instead — and that suspension stays in place for 12 months. The DVSA has also had 17 unofficial booking apps removed from the Apple and Google app stores, and continues to report new ones.
Three simple rules to protect yourself:
- Don't use unofficial apps or websites to find or book a test slot.
- Don't book a test through anyone on social media.
- Only ever use GOV.UK — it's free, secure, and the only legitimate way to book your test.
Why this matters to you
If you ignore this advice, the consequences are serious. The DVSA can suspend your online booking access, your test can be cancelled, and you could lose hundreds of pounds with no way to get it back. On top of that, once you've handed your personal details to a scammer, you have no control over what happens to your data.
As your instructor, we'll always advise you on when you're test-ready and guide you through the process — but the booking itself must be made by you, through the official service, every time. If anyone ever offers to get you an earlier test slot for a fee, walk away.
Important update
June 2026
Changes to the driving test booking service — what they mean for you
The DVSA has introduced a series of changes to how driving tests are booked, changed, and cancelled. These changes are designed to protect learners from being exploited by third-party resellers, and to make the booking process fairer for everyone. We want to make sure all our pupils understand exactly how these rules affect them, so here's a clear summary.
New: test centre location restrictions
The latest change affects where you can move your test to. If you need to change your test, you can now only move it to one of the three nearest driving test centres to where your test is currently booked.
- For existing bookings, this applies to wherever your test is booked now — not where you originally booked it.
- For any change you make going forward, the three nearest centres are calculated from your booked test centre at the moment you make the change.
This restriction is designed to deter people from booking tests at centres where they never intend to sit them — a common tactic used by resellers to hoard test slots.
A reminder of the other recent changes
These rules are already in place and apply to all learners:
- From 31 March 2026 — you are limited to a maximum of two changes per test booking.
- From 12 May 2026 — only you, the learner, can book, change, swap, or cancel your own test. It is now against the law for an instructor, parent, or anyone else to do this on your behalf.
Why these changes matter
The whole purpose of these changes is to stop learners being exploited by businesses that buy up test slots and resell them at inflated prices. By putting you in direct control of your own test booking, the system becomes fairer and harder for those third parties to abuse.
Since the rules came into effect, the DVSA has suspended thousands of accounts misusing the system, taken action against automated booking bots, and had reseller apps removed from app stores. They have confirmed they will continue to monitor and act against misuse.
What this means for you as a Redcliffe pupil: you will need to manage your own test booking through the official GOV.UK service using your own details. We're always happy to advise you on when you're test-ready and help you understand the process — but the booking itself must be made by you.
