From 8 April 2025, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will require learner drivers to give 10 full working days (2 weeks) notice if they need to change or cancel their car driving test without loosing the test fee.
Currently the notice period is only 3 working days. This change is part of a 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times, aiming to make better use of cancelled driving test slots and helping more learners secure tests when they are ready!
DVSA explained that last-minute cancellations create gaps in the schedule that can be difficult to fill due to them being very last minute. In 2024, around 60,000 tests were lost because learners failed to turn up. By increasing the notice period, the DVSA hopes it will give other learner drivers more time to take up newly available slots, helping to reduce waiting times over all.
They also urge all learners to formally cancel their tests if they cannot attend, rather than failing to show up. Later this year, a consultation will explore additional measures for no-show learners, this includes the possibility of an extended waiting time to rebook or introducing the penalty fee to those who don’t show up.
Learners will still be able to apply for a refund if they need to cancel their test at short notice due to illness, injury, bereavement, a school or college exam, or a stolen driving licence.
See our full range of dual-control cars for hire and dual-control cars for sale.