12/06/2026
BOOKING DRIVING TESTS: THE NEW RULES & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
This is a very long, but very important post.
There has been a lot of confusion around the new rules around booking driving tests so I wanted to ensure that everyone understands what has changed and what you need to do.
Since 12th May 2026, ONLY learner drivers have been allowed to book, change, swap or cancel a car driving test.
The new terms and conditions for the DVSA booking service mean that learner drivers are not allowed to do two things:
1. Use unofficial apps, websites or services that scan the driving test booking service looking for appointments. (This applies to ANY app that scans the driving test service, even if it only alerts you to cancellations without actually booking the test).
2. Give someone else their details so they can book a car driving test for them.
The DVSA are emailing learner drivers to remind them to stop using any apps or tools that search for driving tests for them. You must only use GOV.UK to manage your booking.
They are reminding everyone that if they use an app or tool that searches for driving tests, they will:
1. Suspend the ability to manage a driving test online – you will then only be able to make changes or book a new test by phone.
2. Cancel the booking entirely.
They are continuously monitoring activity and where misuse is clearly identified – including cases where any learner has not legitimately booked their test or where their terms and conditions are breached – they will take action, up to and including cancellation of the test.
The DVSA are also reminding learners about the dangers of trying to book or get an earlier test through anyone on social media.
The 3 key points being promoted by the DVSA are:
1. Do not use unofficial apps or websites to find or book a test slot.
2. Do not book a test through anyone on social media.
3. Only ever use GOV.UK – it is free and secure
To book a driving test online: www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
To change a driving test online: www.gov.uk/change-driving-test
To book or change a driving test by phone: 0300 200 112 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).
This rule change since May has given the DVSA new powers to take direct action against those who misuse the booking service.
They have started to cancel driving tests that have been identified as being booked or managed outside of the new rules.
To date, 450 tests have been cancelled by the DVSA as they were booked using a payment card that has been used to pay for multiple driving tests for different learner drivers. This means that the tests were not booked by the learner driver taking the test. Their terms and conditions allow them to cancel tests where this happens.
They are continually monitoring the booking service and will keep cancelling tests where they have evidence of bookings made in breach of the law and their terms and conditions.
This will not stop; it will be continuous and ongoing monitoring.
The DVSA have currently placed 4,034 online booking suspensions on the system. A suspension means the driving licence holder can no longer book or manage tests online. They will need to call the customer service centre instead.
They have also updated their guidance to confirm that a suspension stays in place for 12 months.
Apps have been reported to Apple and Google. So far, 17 apps have been successfully removed on the Apple and Google platforms that break the terms and conditions of the booking service. They will continue to monitor the platforms and report any new apps to have them removed as well.
As a reminder, the 3 key points being pushed by the DVSA are:
1. Do not use unofficial apps or websites to find or book a test slot.
2. Do not book a test through anyone on social media.
3. Only ever use GOV.UK – it is free and secure
IF YOU IGNORE THOSE 3 POINTS, THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SERIOUS.
The DVSA can suspend your online booking access. Your test can be cancelled. You could lose hundreds of pounds with no way to get it back.
If you try and swap a test with someone on social media, you could be handing over your personal data to a scammer, and then you will have no control over what happens to it.
They have published guidance about this.
Find out more about the risks of unofficial driving test booking services and social media scams: https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/unofficial-driving-test-booking-apps-and-scams/?utm_source=dvsa&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new-booking-rules&utm_content=terms-and-conditions-reminder
Please don't get caught by these rules, it could cost you a lot of time and money - don't get caught out!
