The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has announced important changes coming into force from early 2026 affecting learner drivers and theory tests
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has unveiled some crucial alterations for drivers aiming to pass their tests in 2026. A significant challenge for these motorists has been securing a test slot amidst a colossal waiting list.
Before they can even take the practical on-road test, they must first succeed in their theory exam – which is also undergoing changes. Recent findings indicate that the goal of reducing average driving test waiting times in Britain to seven weeks is unlikely to be achieved for another two years, as per the public spending watchdog.
Almost one in three learners are resorting to paying third parties up to £500 to secure a test due to the extensive backlog, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO).
Despite numerous recruitment efforts, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has not managed to hire enough new examiners to increase test slots, the investigation discovered.
A staggering 1.1 million tests could not be conducted in the 2020/21 financial year due to coronavirus restrictions, with an estimated 360,000 of these yet to be booked.
To help alleviate this issue, a key rule change will be implemented from Spring 2026, the DVSA has announced. An exact date has not been confirmed and will be revealed nearer the time.
The new rules will mean that as a learner driver:
- only you will be allowed to book your own driving test – your driving instructor will not be able to book it for you
- you will only be allowed to make a total of 2 changes to your driving test appointment
- you will only be allowed to move your test to centres near to where you originally booked
This is to combat the problem of people block booking tests and then selling the slots on.
What will count as changes
These things each count as a change:
- changing the date or time
- changing the test centre
- swapping your appointment with another learner driver who already has a test booked
From 2026, driving theory tests will include new CPR questions.
The DVSA has updated the first aid content in the driving theory test to provide more learner drivers with essential life-saving skills. From early 2026, the driving theory test, which learners must pass before booking their practical driving test, will feature enhanced first aid questions focusing on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The DVSA aims to increase the UK’s low cardiac arrest survival rates by ensuring more people know how to react in emergencies. The changes won’t affect the cost, duration, or difficulty level of the driving test.
The DVSA has already incorporated this new content into its official learning material, giving learner drivers ample time to familiarise themselves before the changes take effect in 2026.
Over 70s renewing driving licence changes
Calls have been rising for those over the age of 70 to be banned from driving if they fail a compulsory eye test. This comes after opticians expressed concern at the number of drivers they test who are not fit to be on the roads.
However, the government has not announced any changes. While the government is considering the current licencing system, and the “challenges posed by an ageing population”, it maintains that “the current renewal at age 70 process remains as is”.
Any changes that the government does plan to make will likely be announced in its upcoming Road Safety Strategy, expected in late 2025.
Rather than the standard 10-year renewal period, under section 99(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers over the age of 70 must renew their licence every three years.
All drivers, regardless of age, are legally obliged to declare medical conditions or disabilities which may affect their driving. This includes conditions which prevent a driver from meeting the specified driving eyesight rules.
Drivers should contact the DVLA either when they develop a relevant condition, or if a condition has worsened since obtaining their licence.
Third parties (such as doctors, opticians and family members) can also refer a driver to the DVLA if they are concerned about a condition affecting a driver’s safety on the road.
