3 Major Driving Test Changes in 2025 across the UK

3 Major Driving Test Changes in 2025 across the UK

May 22, 2025

The DVSA is rolling out updated driving test at 20 centres across the UK to make the exams more effective and help improve road safety for new drivers.

These updates help new drivers stay safe, especially on rural and fast roads where accidents are common.

Key Changes to the Driving Test

1. Fewer Stops During the Test

Learners used to make four stops in the test, but now it’s reduced to three. This change gives them more time to drive on fast roads and rural areas, making the test more like real-life driving.

2. Emergency Stop Exercise

The emergency stop exercise will be less frequent. It used to happen in one out of three tests, but now it will be in one out of seven.

3. More Independent Driving with a Sat Nav

Independent driving means following a sat nav without the examiner’s directions, helping you learn to navigate alone. In the updated test, examiners can extend this section and might even use it for the whole test, depending on the situation.

Where Are the Changes Happening?

The updates are being tested at 20 UK centres mentioned below.

  1. Avonmouth
  2. Bishopbriggs
  3. Bolton
  4. Cambridge
  5. Cardiff
  6. Dudley
  7. Halifax
  8. Hendon
  9. Hereford
  10. Hornchurch
  11. Isleworth
  12. Maidstone
  13. Middlesbrough
  14. Musselburgh
  15. Norris Green
  16. Norwich
  17. Nottingham (Chilwell)
  18. Oxford
  19. Portsmouth
  20. Wakefield

If your test is at one of these, you’ll be informed about the changes.

How Are the Government and DVSA Helping Learners?

Along with these driving test updates, the DVSA is also working to reduce waiting times for driving tests.

Right now, many test centres are facing delays of six months or more.

To help with this, the government is adding 10,000 extra test slots each month, giving learners more opportunities to take their test without having to wait for long periods.

Conclusion

These driving test updates aim to make UK roads safer for new drivers by focusing on real-world driving, including high-speed and rural roads. The government hopes these updates will reduce accidents and improve road safety.

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