DVSA driving test cancellations and how to change your test date

Being able to drive has so many benefits - you can get from A to B whenever you want, without waiting for public transport, and you don't have to rely on parents or friends to taxi you around. It's easy to see why many people are eager to pass their driving tests, whether you're a first-timer or if you've taken a few tests already.

During the pandemic, routine driving lessons and tests had to be suspended for months due to coronavirus restrictions. But now, due to the backlog caused by Covid, some learner drivers are struggling to book tests.

A rapid decline in driving instructors and baby booms around 17 years ago are also being blamed for the delays, reports Wales Online, with findings from learner driver insurers Marmalade saying they don't expect it to improve until January 2024. Some learner drivers trying to book a test now can't find any dates left this year and fear they will have to wait until 2023 to get a date.

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It's been estimated that more than three million learners will be impacted by the backlog over 2022 and 2023 which won't fully ease until January 2024. This year, demand has reached its peak with over 520,00 learners piled in a backlog - making it impossible for thousands to get a test booked.

If you're keen to pass your driving test sooner rather than later, here's how to look out for appointment cancellations online. If you get in there quick enough, you might be driving along legally sooner thank you think...

Firstly, head over to the gov.uk 'change your driving test appointment' website. Make sure you have your UK driving licence number and your driving test reference number or theory test pass