Will the new law bring down the driving test backlog?

Learning to drive has always taken time. But right now? It’s taking forever. The National Audit Office says 1.1 million tests were lost during the 2020/21 lockdowns, and around 360,000 of those still haven’t even been booked. The average learner is waiting 22 weeks for a test. And at 70% of test centres, it’s the full 24‑week maximum. Before the pandemic, it was seven weeks – not half a year.

So, if you’re a young driver (or the parent supporting one), this isn’t just frustrating, it’s holding you back. And with the government preparing to crack down with new laws, many are asking: Is this the moment the backlog finally shifts? Or could these changes make things harder? Let’s break down what’s coming and how it could affect your journey to the driving seat.

What’s changing?

From 12 May 2026, it becomes illegal to book or change a driving test for someone else. No parents. No instructors. No third-party websites. As of 31^st March 2026, you can only change your booking twice. From 12^th May 2026, only you will be able to change your own booking. And from 9^th June 2026, only you’ll be the one able to move your test location.

These changes are designed to stop the test booking chaos caused by bots and third-party sellers. But they’ll also put you in the driver’s seat with your test booking, you’re your instructor and make you think twice before shifting your test date. For organised learners, this might finally level the playing field. For anyone who tends to leave things to the last minute,. it could create stress.

What counts as a change?

A “change” includes:

• Moving your test date or time
• Switching test centres
• Swapping appointments with another learner

Do those twice, and that’s it, unless you cancel and start again. But don’t worry, these won’t count:

• Updating your address or contact details
• Adding/removing your instructor’s reference
• Any DVSA‑initiated changes (like snow‑day cancellations)

And if you do need to cancel, you’ll get a full refund as long as you do it 10 working days before your test.

Where can you move your test to?

From 9 June 2026, you’re only allowed to switch to:

• Any of the three nearest centres to your original one
• The centre you originally booked

This is a big shift. Why? Because thousands of learners have been travelling further and further afield trying to grab earlier or “easier” tests. Take the Western Isles in Scotland: some learners travelled 690 miles for the promise of an easier pass rate. And in 2023, the average distance travelled for a test across the UK jumped 48% compared to 2019.

Why is this happening?

The backlog isn’t just annoying, it’s created a black‑market for driving tests. The National Audit Office (NAO) found bots automatically booking thousands of slots before real humans even got a chance. Some desperate learners were paying up to £500 for a test slot that should cost £62. The DVSA said this made it almost impossible to understand real demand, and 30% of learners say driving is essential for their jobs. So, the government’s stepping in.

With learners now older – almost a third of all learner drivers are over 30 years of age due to rising driving costs – many are relying on driving to boost career options, cut commuting costs, or simply avoid unreliable public transport. In short, these new rules aim to:

• Stop bots and resellers
• Prevent long‑distance “test tourism”
• Keep slots for people genuinely ready to pass
• Reduce the backlog once and for all

Whether it works, only time will tell. But it will definitely change how learners navigate the system.

Insurance for young or learner drivers

Another challenge for young and learner drivers can be your insurance.

Even though quoted premiums fell 3.3% in the year to Jan 2026, drivers under 25 are still seeing a 3.7% rise. As a new driver, your risk profile is much higher and you’ve yet to build up your experience and driving history. What’s more, young drivers are statistically more likely to have accidents, and many choose older cars with fewer safety features. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with sky‑high prices. Here’s how to bring them down:

1. Choose a car in a lower insurance group

The car you pick makes a big difference to what you pay. Models in the lower insurance groups tend to have smaller engines and better safety tech, which helps keep premiums down. It’s worth taking a little time to check before you buy — it can save you a lot in the long run.

2. Think about a black box policy

Telematics isn’t just for nervous new drivers. It’s a simple way to show how you drive day‑to‑day, and safe habits are often rewarded at renewal. If you’re confident in your driving, it can be a helpful way to keep costs under control.

3. Add an experienced named driver

Including a parent or another experienced driver on your policy can sometimes lower the overall price. Just make sure they genuinely use the car – it needs to reflect real life, to make sure your cover is valid.

Next steps for new drivers

The government’s changes are designed to make the test system fairer and more manageable. And while they won’t clear the backlog overnight, they should give genuine learners a better chance of getting the slot they need.

For young drivers and their parents, the focus now is simple: be prepared, stay organised and make every step count. And once you do get that long‑awaited pass certificate, we’re here to help you navigate the next bit choosing cover that supports you, without adding extra stress.

Find out more about our learner and young driver options here, and explore more useful tips in our Young Drivers Guides.

Sources: BBC News, Learner Driver Guide, DVSA, RAC, Consumer Intelligence, QuoteZone.