Jon Hoyle - Driver Training

12/05/2026

Important information

👇👇👇

🚨 ATTENTION NORTHWICH CANDIDATES: NEW OFFICIAL TEST SWAP PROCEDURE 🚨

Are you looking to swap your driving test slot at Northwich Driving Test Centre? As of May 12th 2026, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency has implemented a strict new security process. To ensure your swap is successful and your data is protected, you must follow these official steps.

Can my driving instructor do it for me?

Instructors can no longer perform swaps directly. However, Northwich & District Driving Instructors Association / NADDIA members are still here to help! We can assist in finding a "swap partner" among our other pupils or through our network of local driving instructors.

The Essential Rules:

Official Channels Only: No apps, no third-party websites, no WhatsApp groups. Swaps must be done via the DVSA phone line.

The Candidate Must Call: You (the candidate) must lead the call. Your instructor or a parent can be present for support, but the DVSA must speak to you directly.

Like-for-Like: You can only swap identical test types (e.g., Weekday for Weekday, Weekend for Weekend, or Extended for Extended).

Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Swap:

1️⃣ Preparation:
Confirm the swap with the other candidate. Check that your instructor is available for the new date/time. You only need the other person's Test Reference, Date, Time, and Location. Do NOT share your address or Date of Birth with them.

2️⃣ Update Your Bookings:
Both candidates must log in to the DVSA system and ensure their own email and mobile number are correct. You should also add your instructor's PRN (Personal Reference Number) to the booking.

3️⃣ The Phone Call:
Candidate 1 calls the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 (Option 1) between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

4️⃣ The Verification Process (Fraud Prevention):
The DVSA will ask for your licence details, address, and DOB. They may also ask for the payment card details used to book the test and details of any previous driving tests you have taken.

5️⃣ The Connection:
While Candidate 1 is on hold, the DVSA will call Candidate 2 on the mobile number updated in Step 2. They will speak to both of you individually to confirm the swap and ensure no personal data is shared between you.

6️⃣ Confirmation:
Once the DVSA swaps the tests, you will both receive an official confirmation email.

Stay Secure: Never share your personal details with strangers online. Only share test references with your swap partner and your registered driving instructor.

Questions? Speak to your NADDIA driving instructor today! 🚗💨

Northwich and Winsford Guardian

12/05/2026

From today (12 May 2026), only learner drivers can book and manage their own driving test - part of a crackdown on exploitation by third-party services.

10/05/2026

From 12 May 2026, you can only swap your own car driving test with another learner driver, read comments for more details. 👇👇👇

27/04/2026

Why the lack of "L Plate" celebration photos on this page? 📸

​I prefer to focus on the journey, not just the result. Locally and nationally, about half of all driving tests don’t end in a pass.

​I want every one of my students to know:

​Nerves are real: They don't define your ability.

​The goal is safety: A license is a permit to learn, but safety is for life.

​Effort matters: Someone who passes on their third attempt isn't a "worse" driver than a first-time passer; they just had to work harder to get there.

​If you’re struggling with your confidence or a recent result, remember: it’s just more experience in the bank for next time. Keep going! 🌟

​

10/04/2026

The blue "Driver Training" sign can only mean one thing: another Motorway road trip. 🚗🛣

26/03/2026

Thank you Jai Blanks, lovely little surprise and a fabulous card posted through my letterbox.

20/03/2026

Due to another amazing individual passing their driving test first time with only a couple of driving faults, I have availability for Saturday afternoon with immediate start in Cuddington and surrounding areas.

17/03/2026

🚗 NORTHWICH DRIVERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 🚗

​The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency has officially confirmed the dates for the biggest shake-up to driving tests in years. If you’re learning to drive in mid-Cheshire, the "old way" of booking and swapping tests is ending.

​Here is exactly when the changes hit:

​🗓️ 31 March 2026: The "2-Strike" Rule
​From this date, you can only change your driving test appointment 2 times (it used to be 6).

​What counts as a change? Changing the date, the time, the test centre, or swapping with another learner.
​What if you need a 3rd change? You’ll have to cancel the test and pay for a brand-new booking.

​🗓️ 12 May 2026: Learners Only
​It will officially be against the law for driving instructors or "test bot" apps to book or move tests for you. Only the learner can manage their own booking. You'll need to confirm your identity and agree to new terms when you log in.

​🗓️ 9 June 2026: The "Swap Zone" Restriction
​This is the one that affects where you can drive. If you book a test from this date, you can only move it to your original centre or one of the 3 nearest centres.
​For Northwich (Winnington) bookings, your only swap options will be:
​📍 Warrington
​📍 Widnes
​📍 Crewe

​💬 What do you think?

​The DVSA says this will stop people "slot-hogging" in quiet areas and then swapping to local ones later. But will it make it harder for Northwich learners to find a date that works?

​Are you rushing to book before these dates? Tell us in the comments! 👇

​

15/03/2026

A change counts as:

• changing the date or time

• changing the test centre

• swapping a test between 2 learners

13/03/2026

Due to another amazing individual passing their driving test first time at Northwich Driving Test Centre, I have availability on Thursday mornings at 10:30 for two hours, starting immediately.