The DVSA has introduced major updates to both the practical and theory driving tests. These changes aim to reduce backlogs, eliminate bot-driven “test swapping,” and better reflect real-world driving conditions. At Oldskooldriving, we’ve already integrated these updates into our training programmes to help you prepare confidently.   

Updates  on those attempting to cheat the system.

  A learner driver has been sentenced to 6 months in prison following an attempt to obtain a driving licence fraudulently.  

In December 2024, staff at Doncaster Theory Test Centre became concerned about one learner driver when their handheld metal detector began beeping during a routine security check.   

Although staff did not find a device in the individual’s possession, they suspected that the learner was planning to use one. Due to this, they were stopped from taking their test.  

After the incident, the learner received a warning letter. This informed them that any further attempts to fraudulently obtain a driving licence may lead to prosecution action.   

However, in January 2025 the learner driver sent an impersonator to sit their theory test at another test centre on their behalf. The impersonator passed the test.  

Given the previous fraudulent attempt, the CCTV footage from the test centre was reviewed and inspected – and the cheating uncovered.   

The learner’s pass was revoked and in March 2026 they appeared at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court where they received a sentence of 6 months immediate custody in relation to one charge of supplying of articles for the use in fraud. 

 

It’s illegal to cheat at a practical or theory test by using an impersonator or impersonating a learner driver.

We recognise the situation around waiting times is placing pressure on those learning to drive, and we are continuing to take action to improve test availability, but where there is clear evidence of cheating, we will take action to protect the integrity of the system.                                         

Changes to driving test bookings;

Yes, the ⁠DVSA has officially restricted test centre changes to the three nearest locations as part of a major 2026 booking system overhaul. This specific rule comes into effect on 9 June 2026. It explicitly bans learner drivers from booking a slot at a distant test centre just to swap it later for a local one.How the Location Rule WorksThree Closest Centres: When you change your test location, the booking system will only allow you to select from the three closest active test centres to your currently booked location.Original Centre Exception: You are always permitted to change your booking back to the very first test centre you selected for that specific appointment.Chain Reactions: If you move your test to one of your three nearest centres, your next change is restricted to the three closest centres surrounding that new location.Existing Bookings: For tests already scheduled before 9 June 2026, the restriction is calculated from wherever your test is officially located on 9 June, not where you originally booked it.Other Core 2026 DVSA Booking ReformsThis geographical restriction is the final stage of a phased rollout by the ⁠DVSA to block booking bots, unofficial cancellation apps, and black-market reselling.The full suite of updated rules includes:The 2-Change Limit: Learner drivers can only amend their car driving test date, time, or location a maximum of two times per booking (introduced 31 March 2026). Exceeding this requires you to cancel and entirely rebook.Learner-Only Management: It is legally required for the learner driver to manage their own profile. Driving instructors, driving schools, and third-party automated platforms are strictly banned from booking or altering tests on a learner's behalf (introduced 12 May 2026).Test Swapping Restrictions: Swapping a test with another learner is still allowed, but the swap must be processed through the official system and is restricted to the same centre, the three nearest centres, or the original booking location.