New DVSA 'two-strike' policy will start March 31 across Great Britain
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will introduce a 'two-strike' rule from March 31, 2026
Starting on March 31, 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will implement a 'two-strike' policy as part of stricter measures against misuse of driving test booking systems. The updated rules will restrict learners to merely two amendments per driving test reservation, reduced from the existing six.
Any additional modifications will require complete cancellation and a new booking. To stop system manipulation, all users will be granted a 'clean slate' of two amendments on this date, with new geographical limitations arriving in late spring that will restrict test relocations to facilities close to the initially reserved location.
An 'amendment' includes changing the date, time, test facility, or exchanging the slot with another learner. Should a learner require a third modification, they will be unable to edit their reservation. They will be forced to cancel the test and arrange a completely new booking, reports the Mirror.
Learners holding a reserved test from March 31 will begin with two unused amendments, irrespective of how many they had previously used. A complete refund remains available when cancelling at least 10 working days prior to the test, increased from the present 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."
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Clarifying the 'two strike' rule in detail, it states: "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."
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What other changes are being made this year?
The "two-strike" rule forms part of a staged reform of the booking system. From 12 May, it will become unlawful for anyone apart from the learner (including instructors, parents, or third-party services) to book, change, or swap a car driving test.
From 9 June, learners attempting to reschedule a test will be limited to selecting one of the three closest test centres to their original booking location, preventing 'test shopping' in different areas. The reforms aim to reduce backlogs by preventing people from 'slot parking' (reserving and trading dates for profit).
In addition to increasing availability by freeing up slots for learners who are genuinely ready for the test. And to prevent exploitation by eliminating third-party sites that sell tests at inflated prices (sometimes as high as £500). Learners are strongly advised to only book their test when they are fully prepared to avoid forfeiting their booking or squandering their limited changes.
