The Department for Transport has tightened how car driving tests are booked through the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/326). The instrument was made on 17 March, laid on 23 March, and comes into force on 27 April 2026 across Great Britain. The new rules only apply to car (category B) tests and do not extend to other test types. (gov.uk)
Legally, the instrument amends regulation 31 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 to require that an in‑person application for a car practical test is made by the learner themselves, preventing third parties applying on a candidate’s behalf. Regulation 31 sets the framework for applications for practical and unitary tests by applicants in person. (legislation.gov.uk)
DVSA’s implementation schedule aligns the legislative change with system updates: a two‑change cap on existing bookings applies from 31 March 2026; from 12 May 2026 only the learner may book, change or cancel; and from 9 June 2026 learners can move their test only to one of the three nearest centres. (gov.uk)
For driving instructors, DVSA confirms they will not be able to use agency services to book or manage pupils’ car tests from 12 May 2026. Tests already booked remain valid, but pupils must hold their driving test reference numbers to manage those appointments themselves. Instructors can continue to set availability in the system, and learners may enter the instructor’s reference number when booking. (gov.uk)
Assisted booking is still permitted for those who need help: friends, family or support workers can help provided the learner is present and uses their own contact details for the booking. (gov.uk)
Policy Wire analysis: the statutory change closes an in‑person booking route long used by intermediaries, while DVSA’s platform rules extend the same principle online. Expect strengthened identity assertions in the booking journey, revised terms and conditions, and audit trails that tie bookings to a single learner account. Together with the two‑change cap and centre‑move limits, the aim is to reduce slot‑reselling, bulk reservations and speculative booking behaviour.
Policy Wire analysis: approved driving instructors should adjust diary management now. Ensure pupils store their test reference numbers, align lesson plans to realistic test‑readiness dates, and use DVSA availability settings rather than reserving slots on pupils’ behalf. Schools offering administrative support will need to redesign onboarding so that learners complete bookings themselves while instructors manage availability only.
Policy Wire analysis: learners should plan on booking once they and their instructor agree they are test‑ready, because the two permitted changes will be quickly exhausted if dates are chosen too early. Centre restrictions reinforce the need to choose an intended location from the outset; adding an instructor’s reference number will help avoid clashes without transferring control of the booking.
The changes apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is not covered by these rules and has separate arrangements. (gov.uk)
DVSA says it will contact affected users ahead of the new rules taking effect using the email address provided at booking. From 12 May 2026, it will be a legal offence for anyone other than the learner to book, change or cancel a car driving test. (gov.uk)