DVSA introducing new 'two-strike' rule on March 31 in England, Scotland and Wales

From March 31, 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will introduce a 'two-strike' rule as part of a crackdown on driving test booking abuse. The new change will limit learners to just two changes per driving test booking, down from the current six.

Any further adjustments will require a full cancellation and re-booking. To prevent system exploitation, everyone will receive a 'fresh start' of two changes on this date, followed by new geographic restrictions in late spring that will limit test relocations to centres near the original booking site.

A 'change' includes altering the date, time, test centre, or swapping the appointment with another learner. If a learner needs to make a third change, they will not be able to edit their booking. They will have to cancel the test and make a completely new booking.

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Learners with a booked test from March 31 will start with two fresh changes, regardless of how many they had previously used. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 10 working days before the test, up from the current three working days.

A statement on the official National Instructors website reads: "These reforms aim to crack down on third-party 'booking bots' and resellers who hoard test slots, ensuring that genuine learners can access appointments at the standard price. For learners across the UK, this represents a significant shift in how you plan your path to a full licence."

Explaining the 'two strike' rule in full, it adds: "From 31 March, any modification to your booking—whether you move the date by one day or change the test centre entirely—counts as one "change." Once you have used your two permitted changes, the system will block further amendments. To get a different date after that, you must cancel the booking and start from scratch.

"If you have an existing booking and have already used several changes under the old rules, the DVSA will 'reset' your counter to zero on 31 March, giving everyone exactly two fresh changes to use under the new system."

What other changes are being made this year?

The "two-strike" rule is part of a phased overhaul of the booking system. From May 12, it will be illegal for anyone other than the learner (including instructors, parents, or third-party services) to book, change, or swap a car driving test.

From June 9, learners trying to move a test will be restricted to switching to one of the three nearest test centres to their original booking location, stopping 'test shopping' in other areas. The purpose of the changes is to reduce the backlogs by stopping people from 'slot parking' (holding and trading dates for profit).

As well as to increase availability by freeing up slots for learners who are genuinely test-ready. And to stop exploitation by eliminating third-party sites that sell tests at inflated prices (sometimes up to £500). Learners are urged to only book their test when they are fully prepared to avoid losing their booking or wasting their limited changes.