Following a number of new practical test booking rules, introduced by DVSA in 2026, only a learner can book their own practical driving test (from 12th May), can not change the date more than twice and (from 9th June) any changes in the date of a test will only be allowed at the same test centre or at one of the nearest three test centres to the original test booking. Given these changes, close liaison is needed between the learner and instructor before booking a test, to ensure that a suitable date has been assessed both in terms of readiness to take the test and the instructor’s availability (if using their car). The following outlines the required approach for my pupils:-

Prior to booking your practical test, it is essential that we have discussed and agreed a likely timeframe for when you may be ready to take a test and have mapped out a lesson plan, including mock tests, that keeps you on track so that you are sufficiently prepared. When you do book your test, it is important that you use the official website to book it and be aware that new dates are uploaded every Monday at 6am and have usually been taken by 7am. When booking a test, please use my DVSA Ref Number (460309), when prompted to do so. Using my reference number will help ensure that I am available (in the two hours leading up to and during your test time) as the system will not allow you to book a test for a date/time that I am not available.

I only take my pupils to tests at Chilwell Test Centre and would suggest booking a test date on the same day of the week and around the same time of the day that you usually have a lesson, as you will be more familiar with the type of traffic experienced at this time and it is more likely that you and I will be available. At Chilwell, there are two tests every hour. The earliest starts at 8am and the latest starts at 3:39pm. I tend to avoid tests at rush hour or at time when there will be extra traffic around schools and colleges (during term times). Therefore, I tend to favour the following test times (in order of preference) 12:18pm, 11:58am, 9:54am, 10:14am, 11:01am and 11:21am, as these times avoid rush hour traffic and the start and end of the days at schools and colleges.  I am also more familiar with the possible test routes used at these times.

Finally, if you have a practical test booked and are actively looking for a cancellation, it is important that any new date falls within the timeframe when you have been assessed as being ready to take it and that you do not rearrange a test date for when I am not available.