UK driving test cancellations require ten days' notice

Learner drivers in the UK face new cancellation rules for driving tests to help reduce a backlog caused by the pandemic and other issues. Starting on April 8, people must notify the driving test center at least ten working days in advance if they want to cancel their tests. Currently, the notice period is only three working days. The Department for Transport (DFT) hopes these changes will encourage learners to wait until they feel fully prepared to take their tests. This should allow others to fill those appointment slots, which will help decrease waiting times. Since announcing this plan in December, the government has been trying to recruit and train 450 new driving examiners. They have also tightened booking rules for driving instructors. As of December, the wait for a driving test was almost 21 weeks in England, 15 weeks in Scotland, and 13 weeks in Wales. Driving Minister Lilian Greenwood stated, “These measures are crucial for tackling the driving test backlog.” She emphasized the importance of ensuring that available appointments are used effectively. In 2024, about 60,000 test appointments were missed because people did not show up. This number represents the workload of 45 full-time examiners for a year. DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder expressed that the new rules will help manage test slots better and support learners in getting their driving licenses when they are ready. A weekday driving test costs £62, while the price is £75 during evenings and bank holidays. There are reports of automated systems booking test slots to sell them for profit, which the new cancellation rules aim to address. If someone cannot attend due to illness or other serious reasons, they can apply for a refund.