DVSA issues latest warning on important rule change from April 8

The DVSA has reminded thousands of individuals could be caught out by a major rules change in less than three weeks. Officials confirmed updates to driving tests come into effect on April 8 with many likely to be caught out.

The change is a crackdown on driving test cancellations with a new cut-off date set to apply for motoristslooking to secure a refund. Road users will now have to confirm their intention to change or cancel a driving test at least 10 working days before their exam to get their money back. This is more than triple the current cut-off with individuals only required to give three full working days of notice.

Leaving it until after the new 10-day limit means motorists will “lose their fee” in a major blow for cash-strapped individuals.

The DVSA posted on X: “Important: From 8 April, you'll need to give 10 working days' notice (not 3) to cancel/change your car driving test without losing your fee. This will help reduce waiting times."

The DVSA doubled down on their assertion that the move would be pivotal in tackling the driving test backlog on UK roads.

Officials have confirmed that about 60,000 appointments were wasted in 2024 simply because individuals decided not to turn up for their test.

The DVSA explains that is roughly the same number of tests that 5 full-time examiners could do over a calendar year

However, officials have confirmed they will continue to pay any out-of-pocket expenses if they need to cancel any driving tests within three working days of the exam.

In a statement to Express.co.uk, The DVSA explained: “Lots of people who are not ready to take their driving test leave it until the last moment to change or cancel it.

“That appointment then becomes available to other learner drivers. But as it’s so close to the test date, it can be hard for people who are ready to pass to make all the necessary arrangements to use the appointment. This can lead to appointments going unused.

“By asking learner drivers to give more notice, it should give other people more chance to use the appointment. This will help to reduce driving test waiting times.

“The change to the rule is one of 7 actions DVSA is taking to reduce driving test waiting times.”