by web@dminNavigating the New 10-Day Rule: What the DVSA’s Latest Change Means for Your Driving Test Booking
Preparing for your practical driving test is an exhilarating, though sometimes anxiety-inducing, process. From learning manoeuvres to fine-tuning your observation, there’s a lot on your plate. But in addition to driving itself, there’s also the important process of test booking and management. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently implemented a major change that all UK learner drivers must know: the new 10-day cancellation period.
Coming into effect as of 8th April 2025, this revision affects the notice period you must provide if you wish to modify or reschedule your car driving test without forfeiting your fee. Being aware of this revised policy will help you achieve an effortless and hassle-free journey to passing.
What Actually Has Changed?
Earlier, learner drivers had to give only three full working days’ notice to alter or cancel a car driving test and yet get a refund of their test fee. Now, they have to give 10 full working days’ notice.
What is a ‘working day’? Working days are Monday to Saturday. Sundays and public holidays are not working days. This means you will have to plan much more in advance than previously.
Why Did the DVSA Bring This Rule In?
This measure is one step in the DVSA’s overall plan to lower driving test waiting times and ensure more efficient use of available test slots. During 2024, around 60,000 driving test slots went to waste as candidates cancelled at the last minute or did not turn up at all. These unused test slots played a major role in today’s long waiting lists that many learners experience.
By prolonging the notice period, the DVSA hopes to:
- Cut wasted slots: With more notice, test centres are more likely to rebook cancelled tests with other learners who are prepared to sit their test.
- Promote readiness: It also encourages learners to book their test when they are actually prepared to take it, decreasing the likelihood of last-minute cancellations for lack of practice.
What This Means for You: the Learner Driver
For FDT UK learners and for all learner drivers nationwide, this new regulation has a number of vital implications:
- Plan Ahead with Your Instructor: More than ever, it is important that you plan ahead with your FDT UK instructor. They will be able to give you the best judgement of your preparedness. Only book your test if you and your instructor are sure you are ready to pass.
- Take Notice of Deadlines: When you reserve your test online via the DVSA system, the specific cancellation deadline will be shown. Do note down the date forthwith.
- The Price of Late Cancellation: If you cancel or reschedule your test with less than 10 full working days’ notice, you’ll regretfully forfeit your test fee (at present, £62 for weekdays, £75 for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays).
- Exceptions Still Apply (with evidence): The DVSA appreciates that exceptional situations may occur. You can still claim a refund in case you urgently need to cancel because of:
- An illness or injury prevents you from sitting for your test.
- A bereavement.
- Having to sit an exam at a school or college.
- Have your driving licence stolen.
Please note that the DVSA should give clear evidence of these exceptional situations.
What Hasn’t Changed?
It’s worth noting that the new 10-day notice applies only to car driving tests. The notice time for other tests, including:
- Theory tests
- Motorcycle tests
- Lorry and bus driving tests
- Driving instructor qualification tests
….remains at three full working days.
Your Path to Passing with FDT UK
At FDT UK, we believe in supporting you through all stages of your driving experience, including these important administrative adjustments. Our qualified instructors will make sure you are well prepared for your Driving test, maximising your chances of passing the first time and eliminating the necessity for last-minute cancellations.
Stay up to date, stay ready, and happy driving!
