If you’re learning to drive this year, you’ve probably spotted a fair few headlines about big changes to driving tests. Some of them are spot on — others are a bit overblown. So let’s cut through the noise and give you a clear, honest picture of what’s actually happening.
What’s Already Changed: The Practical Test
Since November 2025, the DVSA updated the format of the practical driving test. These changes are already in effect, so if you’re sitting your test now, this applies to you.
- Independent driving has doubled — from 10 minutes to 20 minutes. That means roughly half your test will involve driving on your own using a sat nav, without step-by-step guidance from the examiner. The aim is to reflect how people actually drive in real life.
- Fewer normal stops — the number of routine pull-up-and-move-off exercises has been reduced from 4 to 3, so you’ll spend more time on faster, busier roads instead.
- Emergency stops are less common — they’ll now feature in around 1 in 7 tests, rather than 1 in 3. You still need to know how to do one, but the odds of being asked have dropped.
What’s Changing: The Theory Test
From early 2026, the theory test will include new questions on first aid — specifically CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
You won’t need to physically demonstrate anything — it’s knowledge-based. But it’s worth getting your head around the basics, because this is genuinely useful stuff. Over 40,000 people in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and knowing what to do really can save a life.
What’s Changing: How You Book Your Test
This is one of the biggest practical shifts, and it kicks in from spring 2026 (with some changes already confirmed from 31 March 2026).
Here’s what’s new:
- You must book your own test. Your driving instructor will no longer be able to book it for you. You’ll need to do it yourself via GOV.UK using your provisional licence number and theory test certificate.
- You’re limited to two changes. Once you’ve booked, you can only change the date, time, or test centre twice. If you need more changes after that, you’ll have to cancel and rebook — and you’ll only get a refund if you cancel at least 10 working days before your test date.
- Test centre changes must be nearby. You won’t be able to move your booking to a test centre on the other side of the country. Any changes must be to a centre close to where you originally booked.
These rules are designed to tackle the long waiting times and the frustrating practice of people bulk-booking slots just to sell them on or reshuffle at the last minute.
The Instructor Availability Check — A Handy New Feature
Here’s a really useful bit that a lot of people haven’t heard about yet. When you book your test, you’ll be able to enter your driving instructor’s ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) reference number. Once you do, the booking system will automatically filter available slots to match times when your instructor is free.
This means you won’t accidentally book a test on a day your instructor can’t accompany you or get you to the centre. Your instructor can set their availability through the DVSA’s business service (morning and afternoon slots for each weekday), and you’ll only see appointments that fit around their schedule — so no awkward conversations about clashing commitments.
Just ask your instructor for their ADI reference number before you start the booking process. It’s a small step that could save a lot of hassle.
Top tip: Don’t book your test until your instructor thinks you’re genuinely ready. With only two changes allowed, you don’t want to be scrambling to rearrange.
What’s Being Proposed (But Not Yet Law)
A government consultation (open until 31 March 2026) is exploring some bigger changes for the future. Nothing is confirmed yet, but it’s worth knowing what might be coming:
- A minimum learning period between passing your theory test and taking your practical. Options being considered are a three-month or six-month gap.
- A minimum number of supervised driving hours, which could include both professional lessons and private practice with a friend or family member.
- A structured learning syllabus — rather than practising whatever comes up, learners might be guided to experience specific situations, such as night driving, motorway driving, or navigating a busy town centre.
- A lower drink-drive limit for new drivers — this is under discussion but hasn’t been introduced.
If any of these proposals worry you, it’s worth knowing that they’re genuinely still proposals. Nothing is set in stone.
Quick Summary
| Change | Status | When |
|---|---|---|
| Longer independent driving (20 mins) | Confirmed & in force | Now |
| Fewer normal stops (3 not 4) | Confirmed & in force | Now |
| Emergency stops less frequent | Confirmed & in force | Now |
| First aid questions in theory test | Confirmed | Early 2026 |
| Learners must book their own test | Confirmed | Spring 2026 |
| Max 2 changes to test booking | Confirmed | 31 March 2026 |
| Instructor availability check when booking | Confirmed | Spring 2026 |
| Location-restricted test swaps | Confirmed | Spring 2026 |
| Minimum learning period | Under consultation | TBC |
| Minimum supervised hours | Under consultation | TBC |
The Bottom Line
The changes that are definitely happening this year are mostly about the booking system and test format — not a complete overhaul of the test itself. The core structure you’ve been preparing for is still there.
The best thing you can do right now? Keep practising, listen to your instructor, and make sure you’ve got a GOV.UK account set up so you’re ready to book when the time comes. Good luck — you’ve got this!
Useful Websites
Here are some official resources worth bookmarking as you prepare for your test.
Ready to Pass? — readytopass.campaign.gov.uk The DVSA’s official campaign site for learner drivers. It covers the 27 skills you need to master, how to manage test nerves, what to expect on the day, and why mock tests really do make a difference. A great place to start if you want an honest sense of whether you’re actually ready.
What’s Included in the Practical Test — gov.uk/driving-test The official GOV.UK page breaking down every element of the practical test — from the eyesight check and show-me/tell-me questions through to the independent driving section and reversing exercises. Worth reading so there are no surprises on the day.
Driving Examiner Guidance (DT1) — gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-driving-examiners-carrying-out-driving-tests-dt1 This is the actual guidance your examiner follows during the test — sometimes called the DT1. It explains exactly how faults are assessed and what examiners are looking for at each stage. Reading it can feel oddly reassuring, because it shows just how structured and fair the process is.
2026 Booking Rule Changes — gov.uk/guidance/changes-to-driving-test-booking-rules-in-2026 The official GOV.UK guidance on all the new booking rules coming into force from 31 March 2026. Essential reading before you book your test.
The Highway Code — gov.uk/highway-code Free to read online in full. Whether you’re brushing up for your theory test or just want a refresher on road rules, this is the definitive reference.
The information in this article is correct as of 22 February 2026. As changes to driving test rules are ongoing, I recommend checking the official GOV.UK website for the latest updates before booking your test.
