Date: November 2025

Category: DVSA News | Learner Driver Updates

Fairer, Simpler, and More Transparent – Big Changes Are Coming

The DVSA has just announced some long-awaited updates to the UK driving test booking system — and these changes are set to make a huge difference for genuine learner drivers across the country.

For too long, thousands of learners have struggled to find available test dates because of bots and third-party resellers who bulk-booked slots and sold them at inflated prices, sometimes charging as much as £300 – £500 for an early test that should cost £62 (weekday) or £75 (weekend).

Now, the DVSA is taking strong action to stop this and restore fairness to the system.

1️⃣ Only Learner Drivers Can Book Their Own Driving Test

From now on, only the learner driver will be able to book their driving test directly through the DVSA website. Driving instructors, schools, or third-party websites will no longer be able to book tests on behalf of pupils.

Once a driving test is booked, it can only be moved once.

This new rule is designed to stop people — or bots — from constantly rescheduling or transferring test slots. It’s a major step forward in protecting learner drivers and ensuring that every test slot goes to someone who genuinely needs it.

2️⃣ More Examiners and Shorter Waiting Times

The DVSA isn’t stopping there. To reduce the current waiting times for tests, they are:

• Bringing in examiners from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to assist with the national shortage.

• Recruiting and training new examiners across the UK.

• Offering a £5,000 retention payment to encourage current examiners to stay in the role.

• These efforts will increase test availability and help bring down the long waiting lists learners have faced since the pandemic.

3️⃣ What This Means for Driving Instructors

At Drive 4 Pass, we currently use the DVSA’s Online Booking System (OBS) to help manage and monitor pupil test dates. With this new rule, instructors will no longer be able to book tests directly.

While this will be a change in process, it’s a positive move for the industry overall. It ensures that learners are in full control of their own bookings, and it will stop the widespread issue of resold or transferred test slots.

We fully support these updates — they bring fairness, honesty, and transparency back to the system.

4️⃣ Why This Change Matters

This reform was much needed. Many learners have been taken advantage of by third-party websites pretending to offer early test dates, when in fact they were simply reselling tests booked under false names.

Now, the process will be simpler:

✅ One learner = One account = One fair chance to book a test.

✅ No inflated prices.

✅ No more fake bookings.

✅ A fair system for everyone.

Final Thoughts

The DVSA’s new approach is a game-changer for both learners and instructors. With more examiners, fair booking access, and reduced waiting times, it’s a big step in the right direction for the driving industry.

At Drive 4 Pass, we’re always here to support our learners through every step of their journey — from your first lesson to passing your test.

If you’d like more information on how these changes may affect you, speak to your Drive 4 Pass instructor or contact our team for expert advice.