DVSA - Driving test short notice cancellation period changes take effect today

We advised last month that the short notice cancellation period would increase to 10 clear working days from today (Tuesday 8 April 2025). We are now confirming this change has been introduced.

When we published our 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times on 18 December 2024, we confirmed that one of the actions would be to increase the short notice cancellation period. This change only applies to car driving tests.

We have already contacted everyone with a car driving test booking from 8 April to tell them their new deadline to change or cancel without losing the fee. We’re emailing another reminder to them today.

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More information

On GOV.UK you can find more information about:

• why the change has been introduced

• how learner drivers can still apply for a refund if they are unwell or have had a bereavement

• the old and new deadlines for any car driving tests taking place from today to the end of June 2025, to help you through this change

New rule for driving test changes and cancellations to recycle test slots more effectively and help reduce waiting times.