Starting April 8, 2025, learner drivers in the UK will need to provide 10 full working days’ notice to change or cancel their car driving test without forfeiting the test fee, according to a new rule announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This marks a significant shift from the current requirement of just 3 full working days’ notice, aimed at reducing wasted test appointments and shortening driving test waiting times.
Why the Rule Is Changing
The DVSA reports that many learners delay cancellations until the last moment, leaving slots unused because others cannot book them in time. In 2024 alone, approximately 60,000 test appointments were wasted due to no-shows—equivalent to the annual workload of 45 full-time examiners. By extending the notice period, the agency hopes to give prepared candidates a better shot at securing these slots, ultimately easing the backlog that has frustrated learners nationwide.
What’s Changing—and What’s Not
The new 10-day rule applies exclusively to car driving tests. Other categories, such as theory tests, motorcycle tests, and lorry or bus driving tests, will retain the 3-day notice requirement. Working days are defined as Monday to Saturday, excluding Sundays and public holidays. For example, a test scheduled for April 15, 2025, would require changes or cancellations by April 1 to avoid losing the fee.
To ease the transition, the DVSA has emailed learners with updated deadlines and published a list of key dates through June 2025. Special circumstances—such as illness, bereavement, or stolen licenses—will still qualify for refunds, even with short-notice cancellations.
Addressing No-Shows
Beyond the notice period, the DVSA is tackling no-shows head-on. “We’re urging learners to cancel if they can’t attend rather than leaving slots empty,” a DVSA spokesperson said. Later this year, the agency will launch a consultation on penalties for non-attendance, including longer waiting periods before rebooking (currently 10 working days) or potential fees. These measures aim to deter the 60,000 wasted appointments recorded in 2024.
Looking Ahead
Meanwhile, the agency is reviewing its compensation process for tests it cancels with less than 3 days’ notice, promising to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
For learners, the takeaway is clear: plan ahead or pay the price. With driving test demand at an all-time high, this change could be a turning point—if learners and examiners adapt.
