What’s New in the Driving Test in 2026

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to update the UK driving test and booking system to make it fairer, safer, and more reflective of real-world driving. These improvements affect how tests are taken and arranged — and as your instructor, SEBO Driving School will help you navigate them with confidence.  

📅 New Test Booking Rules (Spring 2026)

From spring 2026, DVSA is introducing major changes to how driving tests are booked and managed: 

• Learner drivers will be required to book their own practical tests — instructors will no longer book tests on behalf of pupils.  

• You’ll be allowed a maximum of two changes (date/time or location) to your test booking in total.  

• Test moves will only be permitted to nearby test centres to prevent large-distance switching.  

These changes aim to make the booking system fairer, easier to use, and less susceptible to misuse by third parties — and we’ll guide every pupil through the updated process.  

Tip for learners: Plan your bookings carefully and only book a test when you’re genuinely ready. This helps avoid unnecessary changes and keeps your options open under the new rules.  

⸻

🚗 Test Format Updates – Reflecting Real Driving

The DVSA has also made changes to the practical driving test itself to better reflect real-life driving conditions:  

• Greater focus on higher-speed and rural roads — where many new drivers will encounter real-world challenges.  

• Examiners will spend more of the test evaluating how well learners handle complex traffic environments.  

These adjustments ensure that the test not only assesses whether you can drive legally, but whether you can do so safely in a variety of road settings.  .: