DVSA to change driving test rules: What learners need to know before booking

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced new plans for the driving test booking system.

The DVSA concluded its consultation on March 30 after consulting with more than 20,000 people.

One of the aims of the consultation was to find new ways to “encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test”.

The DVSA said that there is currently a high demand for driving tests, partly due to the pandemic, but also due to learner drivers booking earlier than they should because they have heard wait times are high, and due to the number of people retaking their test after failing the first time.

The new changes will aim to prepare drivers for their tests and reduce the number of driving test appointments that are wasted.

So what exactly has changed and what do learner drivers need to know?

What are the new driving test rules?

One rule that will be introduced is requiring people to wait 28 working days before being able to book a new test after failing one. The wait time will be increased from the current 10 working days.

Some learner drivers disagreed with this proposal, arguing that the reason many people fail their first test is down to nerves and that they’re ready to take the test soon after. However, the proposal is set to go ahead.

Another rule that will be implemented will require learner drivers to move or cancel their test at least 10 working days before to avoid losing their fee, rather than the current three working days.

Furthermore, if legislation passes, learner drivers will have better access to information about driving instructors and their students’ success rate.

The law will also be changed to allow instructors to do the eyesight check in any level of light and to use more methods of checking people’s eyesight.

People who pass their test will also be issued a digital pass certificate, rather than a paper one.

The Government has not yet confirmed when these changes will come into force.