DVSA Driving Test Booking Changes 2026: What Leicester Learners Need to Know

The DVSA has announced important updates to the driving test booking system, aiming to create a fairer process and reduce the long waiting times that thousands of learners face across the UK. These changes directly affect anyone preparing for a practical test in Leicester — including learners training with HSP Driving Academy.

The goal is simple: stop test slot reselling, reduce delays, and ensure genuine learners get access to real appointments without paying inflated prices.

Whether you’re booking your first driving test or rebooking after lessons, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Is the DVSA Changing the Test Booking System?

Driving test waiting times grew massively after COVID-19, with many centres reaching 4–6 months delays. In Leicester, demand has been especially high.This led to the rise of test bots and third-party resellers who grabbed available slots and resold them to learners at prices of £200–£500, even though a test normally costs £62–£75.

The DVSA’s new system aims to:

• Block bots and middlemen

• Make booking fair

• Reduce waiting times to the target 7 weeks by summer 2026

For learners, this means more control and fewer scams.

Key DVSA Changes Every Learner Should Know (Arriving by

Spring 2026)

1. Only Learners Can Book or Manage Their Test

You must log in with your own details. Instructors, third-party apps, and resellers will no longer be able to book or move tests on your behalf.

This ensures every slot is used by real learners — not bots.

2. You Can Only Move Your Test Twice

After booking, you can change your date two times only.

This encourages learners to book only when they’re fully prepared instead of constantly switching dates.

3. Test Centre Changes Will Be Restricted

You won’t be able to book in one city and then switch to another area to jump queues.

This rule helps local learners in places like Leicester get fair access to their own test centre.

4. MOD Examiners Will Support DVSA

For the next 12 months, Ministry of Defence examiners will conduct tests one day a week.

This means:

• More daily test appointments

• Shorter waiting lists at busy centres

• Faster access to practical tests

Centres with the biggest delays — including some in the Midlands — will receive priority.

5. More Examiners and Retention Bonuses

The DVSA is hiring hundreds of examiners and offering £5,000 retention bonuses to keep more staff.

This will stabilise the system and reduce cancellations.

What This Means for Learners in Leicester

If you're learning to drive in Leicester — especially around areas like Evington, Oadby, Hamilton, or Belgrave — these changes will benefit you directly.

You’ll experience:

• Fairer access to Leicester test centres

• Less competition from bots

• More consistent test availability

• Reduced waiting times

• Zero risk of reseller scams

At HSP Driving Academy, we guide learners through every step, ensuring you book the right test at the right time.

How HSP Driving Academy Helps You Prepare for 2026 Changes

Our instructors focus on proper preparation, so you only book when you’re genuinely ready.Because test movements are now limited, being fully prepared is more important than ever.

HSP Driving Academy offers:

• Mock tests designed around real Leicester routes

• Progress tracking to assess readiness

• Honest feedback so you book confidently

• Flexible lesson plans to match your timeline

• Affordable packages with high first-time pass rates

We help you avoid wasted test attempts and give you the best chance to pass on the first try.

Final Thoughts

The DVSA’s new system is a major step towards fairness, transparency, and efficiency. Learner drivers — especially in busy cities like Leicester — will finally have a simpler and more reliable way to secure a test date.

With HSP Driving Academy, you’ll always stay ahead of these changes and prepare with confidence.

FAQS

1. What are the new DVSA booking rules for 2026?

Learners must book their own tests, can only move a test twice, and test centre changes will be limited.

2. Why is the DVSA restricting test changes?

To stop people exploiting quieter test centres and switching to busier ones.

3. Can instructors book tests for learners now?

No. Only the learner can book or manage their test.

4. How will MOD examiners help?

They will conduct extra tests weekly to reduce backlogs in busy areas like Leicester.

5. How long are waiting times expected to be?

The DVSA aims to bring waits down to 7 weeks by summer 2026.

6. What happens if I move my test more than twice?

You will need to cancel and rebook — losing your original slot.

7. Will Leicester test centres see improvements?

Yes. Leicester is one of the areas expected to benefit most from reduced delays.

8. How can HSP Driving Academy help me pass faster?

We focus on structured lessons, mock tests, and route-based training to increase your first-time pass chance.