The rules for booking and changing a car practical driving test changed in 2026. You can now change a booking only twice, only the learner can book and manage it, and you can only move it to one of the three nearest test centres.
This guide explains each change in plain English. It is based on GOV.UK guidance (last updated 19 June 2026) checked on 13 October 2026, and it applies to car driving tests only.
Quick answer
Book your own test on GOV.UK once your instructor agrees you are ready. You get two changes, so only change your booking if your circumstances genuinely change. If you need more, cancel and rebook.
The changes at a glance
| Rule | Before | Now | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of changes | Up to 6 | 2 | 31 March 2026 |
| Who can book your test | You or your instructor | Only you | 12 May 2026 |
| Who can manage your test | You or your instructor | Only you | 12 May 2026 |
| Unofficial search services | Allowed | Not allowed | 12 May 2026 |
| Where you can move your test | Any test centre | Only the 3 nearest centres | 9 June 2026 |
The limit of two changes
You can only make two changes to an existing car test booking. Changing the date, the time or the test centre, or swapping with another learner, counts as one change. Changing several of these at once still counts as one.
These do not count as changes:
- updating your address or contact details
- adding or removing your instructor’s reference number
- changes made by the DVSA, for example because of bad weather (if the DVSA changes your test, you start again with two changes)
GOV.UK says to use your changes only when your circumstances genuinely change. To change a car test and keep your fee, you need to give at least 10 full working days’ notice. Monday to Saturday count as working days. Sundays and public holidays do not.
If you need more than two changes, you have to cancel the test and book a new one. You get a full refund if you cancel at least 10 full working days before the test date.
Only you can book and manage your test
- You must book your own test on GOV.UK and confirm that you are the learner taking it.
- Only you can change, cancel or swap your own test. Your instructor cannot do this for you.
- You must not use unofficial services, including cancellation-finder websites or apps, that scan the booking service for appointments. The DVSA can suspend your online access or cancel your booking.
- Tests that were already booked stay valid. Your instructor should give you your test reference number so you can manage the booking yourself.
You can still get help from a friend or family member. They need to be with you, and you should do as much of the booking as you can yourself, using your own email address and phone number.
Moving to another test centre
You can move your test to one of the three test centres nearest to where it is booked, or back to the centre you first booked on that booking. If you booked before 9 June 2026, the rule applies to the centre your test was at on 9 June 2026. GOV.UK has a tool to check which centres you can move your test to.
When to book
GOV.UK suggests you agree with your instructor that you are ready, get their instructor reference number, choose a realistic date and book only at a centre you intend to use. New appointments are added 24 weeks ahead and released at 6am every Monday. Earlier slots appear whenever another learner changes or cancels.
Instructor tip: with only two changes, a booking made in a hurry costs you flexibility. Your instructor can tell you whether a mock test result and your recent lessons show you are close to test standard before you commit to a date.
What your instructor can still do
- Advise when you are ready and help you prepare with lessons and mock tests.
- Give you their reference number so you can add it to your booking.
- Set their own availability, so the booking service can check whether they can take you to the test.
Frequently asked questions
Can my driving instructor book my test for me?
No. GOV.UK says you must book your driving test yourself, and it is against the law to book a car driving test for someone else.
Can I still change my test date?
Yes, up to two times. Give at least 10 full working days’ notice to avoid paying for a new test.
What if I need a third change?
Cancel the booking and book a new test. Cancel at least 10 full working days before the test date for a full refund. Check the current fee on the GOV.UK driving test cost page.
Can I use a website that finds cancellations?
No. Services that scan the booking service for appointments are not allowed, and using one can lead to your online access being suspended.
Do these rules apply to theory tests?
No. The 2026 changes described here apply to car practical driving tests.
Checklist before you book
- Your instructor agrees you are close to test standard
- You have your instructor’s reference number
- You have picked a realistic date and a centre you will actually use
- You know you have only two changes
- You are booking on GOV.UK yourself, not through an unofficial service
- You know what your car needs on test day (see using your own car for the driving test)
Learn with AK Automatic Driving School
We teach one-to-one automatic lessons with a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Brighton and Hove, Burgess Hill and Lancing, and nearby areas such as Portslade and Shoreham-by-Sea. To practise for test day, see our show me, tell me questions or our lesson prices. You can also explore our automatic driving lessons on our main website.
Rules can change, so check GOV.UK before you book or change a test.