DVSA cancels over 400 driving tests amid breach of new rules

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said it had canceled nearly 500 driving tests since June 9. This is because these tests were “found to have been recorded in violation of the terms and conditions”. It wrote that it had “cancelled 450 driving tests taken outside the new rules and suspended 4,034 online bookings into the system as part of a commitment to crack down harder on abuse.”

The DVSA has made changes to make booking driving tests fairer. These include limits on changing exam bookings from spring 2026, requiring students to book their own exams, and restrictions on where exams can be held.

The latest booking rule changes are designed to prevent the exploitation of learner drivers. They also help the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency detect rule breaches more easily. As a result, we can now better detect abuse, such as payment cards being used to book multiple tests for different students, and take action where necessary, making the system fairer for legitimate students.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Students should be focusing on preparing for the exam, not fighting an unfair booking system or paying too much for third-party touts.

“That’s why the DVSA’s action to cancel dangerous tests is so important. By canceling tests booked in breach of the rules and suspending access for those who try to abuse the system, the DVSA is sending a clear message against attempts to take advantage of learner drivers and profit from driving test appointments.”

“These new rules help ensure driving tests are given to people who really need them, rather than being taken and resold for profit.”

DVSA Chief Executive Beverley Warmington added: “We promised to make the driving test booking system fairer and we have kept that promise.

“These reforms are about ensuring that driving tests are given to genuine students, not those who profit from them. Today’s action shows that we have the tools and determination to enforce the new rules.

“We will continue to monitor, take action and pressure anyone who tries to bypass the system.”

As part of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s efforts to crack down on illegal test booking practices, evidence of test sales has been recorded on social media and mobile apps. This led to the removal of 17 apps from major app stores and the closure of social media accounts promoting these services.

DVSA doesn’t just take action against people who abuse the booking system. It also enables more learner drivers to access testing appointments when they are ready for testing. Between June 2025 and May 2026, more than 240,000 additional driving tests were carried out compared to the same period the previous year, supported by the highest number of driving examiners in several years.

DVSA driving test changes in 2026

The DVSA has made a number of changes to the driving test booking system for spring 2026:

• March 31: Learner drivers are now limited to 2 changes per booking.
• May 12: It is only a legal obligation for the learner driver to book, change, exchange or cancel their own driving test. The use of unofficial apps, bots or automated booking services is prohibited under the DVSA’s terms and conditions.
• 9 June: Students can only move their exam to one of the 3 closest driving test centers where their exam is already booked. For new reservations made as of June 9, the closest 3 centers will be calculated from the exam center with the first reservation. For existing bookings, the rule applies to the location where the test was booked on 9 June, not the original booking location.

Car and driving test experts emphasize that unofficial apps and booking services can pose significant risks. By sharing personal data with them, students may lose control over how this information is processed.

Where the DVSA finds evidence of a breach of its terms and conditions or the law:

• Contact the student to confirm booking details or request further information
• Issue a warning notification
• Restricting a student’s ability to book or manage their exam online
• Cancel reservation
• Consider legal action where the law has been broken

The DVSA says every affected student has been told why their tests have been cancelled. They received a full refund to the original payment method and were asked to call the DVSA to arrange a new booking. Full guidance available Here.