Learner drivers across the UK are set to face a modified practical driving test from late November 2025, as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introduces permanent changes designed to tackle the massive backlog of test bookings.
What are the new driving test rules?
The overhaul, which follows a successful trial, will see three key adjustments to the standard car test. The most notable alteration is a significant reduction in how often the emergency stop exercise is conducted. Previously, one in every three tests included this manoeuvre, but from November 24, 2025, this will drop to just one in seven tests.
Furthermore, the total number of stops during the test, which includes pulling over on the side of the road and moving off safely, will be cut from four down to three. The third major change gives candidates more flexibility during the independent driving section, which will now run for the full duration of the test. Candidates can follow directions from a sat nav, traffic signs, or a combination of both throughout this extended period.
Why is the driving test being changed?
The primary driver behind these modifications is the urgent need to reduce the lengthy waiting times for a driving test. The DVSA confirmed that securing a test slot has become extremely difficult, with average wait times exceeding 20 weeks in many areas. This bottleneck causes significant anxiety for learners, who face a long delay if they need to retake their test.
Amanda Lane, the DVSA's Head of Driver Testing and Training Policy, stated that the changes are 'subtle but meaningful' and are intended to better prepare new drivers for real-world conditions. She emphasised that 'high speed roads, including those in rural areas, are among the most treacherous for novice drivers', and the test must assess the skills needed to navigate them safely.
To further combat the backlog, the government announced additional measures last week, including deploying military driving examiners to test centres to create an extra 6,500 test slots and cracking down on bots and third parties who hoard and resell test appointments.
Industry reaction and safety concerns
While the changes have been largely welcomed, some road safety experts have voiced specific concerns. Sanjib Bhattacharjee, a driving instructor and road safety advocate, supports the extended independent driving and streamlined number of stops, believing it offers a more authentic driving experience.
However, he expressed apprehension about the reduced frequency of the emergency stop. 'If time is the issue, I would suggest reducing the number of normal stops further—from three down to two—so that the emergency stop remains a consistent part of the test,' he told Metro. Bhattacharjee stressed that the ability to perform an emergency stop correctly is a vital skill that can save lives, noting that even experienced drivers often struggle with the technique.
The DVSA has reassured the public that despite these adjustments, the test will continue to rigorously assess all the essential skills required for someone to drive safely and independently on Britain's roads.
