If you’re a driving instructor or a learner preparing for your practical test, some important changes are coming soon. These updates aim to make the booking system fairer, safer, and easier for everyone. Most importantly, they are designed to reduce misuse and help genuine learners get test dates more easily.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing and how it may affect you and your pupils.
What’s Changing from March 2026
From 31 March 2026, new rules will apply to practical car driving test bookings. Under the new system, you and your learners can change a test only up to two times. Previously, six changes were allowed. This limit has now been reduced to improve fairness.
However, there is good news. When the rule begins, everyone with a booked test will start with two changes available, regardless of how many times the test has been changed in the past.
This means everyone gets a fresh start.
What Counts as a “Change”?
It’s important to understand what counts as a change under the new rules. A change includes:
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Changing the test date or time
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Switching to a different test centre
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Swapping a test between two learners
Each of these actions will use one of the two allowed changes. Therefore, it’s best to plan carefully before making any updates.
Because of this, learners are strongly encouraged to book their test only when they feel fully prepared. They should also choose a test centre that is easy to reach. This approach helps avoid unnecessary changes later.
Managing Your Availability as an Instructor
To support instructors, the system allows you to manage your availability. This feature helps prevent learners from booking tests at times that don’t suit your schedule.
When your pupils use your ADI personal reference number, they will only see test slots that match your available times. As a result, this saves time and avoids confusion.
You can set:
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Your morning and afternoon availability for each day
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One-off unavailable periods, such as holidays
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The break time you need between tests
By keeping your availability up to date, you can create a smoother work routine and reduce last-minute changes.
The “Ready to Pass?” Campaign
Alongside these changes, a new “Ready to Pass?” campaign is being launched. This campaign aims to encourage learners to prepare properly before booking their tests.
Through paid advertising, learners will receive clear messages about being fully ready before choosing a date. This helps reduce cancellations and wasted slots.
In addition, the campaign toolkit is being updated. This will give instructors helpful resources to explain the changes to their pupils simply.
Upcoming Webinars and Support
To make sure instructors stay informed, webinars will be held later this month. These sessions will give you the chance to:
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Learn more about the new rules
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Understand the advertising campaign
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Explore the updated toolkit
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Ask questions directly
Details about the dates and booking will be shared by email soon. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your inbox.
You can also find more official information on GOV.UK.
Final Thoughts
These new booking rules are designed to create a fairer and more reliable system for everyone. While the limit on changes may seem strict at first, it encourages better planning and reduces misuse.
By preparing learners properly, managing your availability, and using the new resources, you can adapt smoothly to these changes.
In the end, better planning leads to better results. And that means more confident learners passing their tests successfully.