More than half (53 percent) of learner drivers have failed their car driving test and driving test, suggesting that many are not ready to drive safely by themselves.
Shockingly, one in eight driving examiners has been forced to physically intervene during a test for safety reasons.
The changes announced today are intended to boost the rate of drivers passing their tests, as well as make more available.
It is hoped these measures will also help reduce the waiting times for tests, with some learners still waiting months for their booking.
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If someone fails their car test, they currently have to wait just 10 days to book another test, but with the new changes, this will be extended to 28 days.
Another extension will be added to the notice period required for a driver to cancel their test.
Drivers who look to cancel their test three days or less before their test face losing the fee, with this being extended to 10 days.
This is being done to help the DVSA offer better-prepared drivers the chance to book short-notice appointments when they are prepared.
These new rules follow a public consultation process which took place in 2022, which found that 37.1 percent of approved driving instructors who responded were in favour.
A third of learner drivers said the changes to test cancellations would encourage them to only book their test when they were ready.
Many have complained about the long waiting times to book an appointment, although many in the consultation said they would happily wait for the tests when they were ready.
Loveday Ryder, CEO of the DVSA, said: “With more than half of people failing their driving test, it is clear more needs to be done to make sure learner drivers only take their test when they are fully prepared.
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The DVSA stated that it would continue to adhere to its policy of paying expenses if the organisation needs to cancel the test with less than three working days’ notice.
Learner drivers and driving instructors will be notified of the complete set of changes when the date has been finalised this summer.
The Ready to Pass? campaign will also help learners with pre-test preparations, making sure they are confident when taking the test.
Richard Holden, Roads Minister, added: “While driving is a fantastic gateway to independence, road safety must always come first and it’s important that learners only take their driving test when they are ready to do so.
“That’s why it’s great to see DVSA continue to push forward its #ReadytoPass campaign and introduce these changes to make sure applicants only take tests when they’re fully prepared and ready to pass.”
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