Getting You Road-Ready: The Latest UK Rules to Help Young Drivers Succeed

The Latest UK Rules to Help Young Drivers Succeed

Young drivers aged 17 to 24 are only about 6% of all licence holders but sadly feature in around 24% of fatal and serious collisions. That’s why the DVSA and government have brought in some really helpful changes in late 2025 and 2026 to give you better skills and preparation. These updates are actually great news for learners, and we’re here to break them down in a simple and friendly way.

The test now feels more like everyday driving, especially on the roads young drivers need most practice with:

• More time spent on higher-speed roads and rural routes (where the area allows)
• Only three normal stops needed instead of four
• Independent driving (using sat-nav, signs or both) can last longer, even the full test if the route works
• Test length stays the same and no new skills are added

This is super useful because rural roads are where nearly half of serious crashes for 17 to 24 year olds happen. We already include plenty of this kind of practice in our lessons so you’re ready and calm on test day.

The theory test is getting a small but important upgrade:

• More in-depth questions about CPR (correct hand position, speed and depth)
• Brand new questions on automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the first time
• Updated DVSA official books and theory test app already available

No extra time, cost or difficulty is added. It’s just giving you simple life-saving knowledge that could really help one day. We think this is brilliant, as safe driving goes way beyond just passing the test.

From spring 2026, you’ll be in full control of your test booking:

• Only you can book and manage your practical test (through your own GOV.UK account)
• You can change the date or test centre a maximum of two times
• After the second change, the booking is locked in

This stops bots and resellers taking all the slots, so genuine learners like you should get tests much quicker. We start teaching you how to use the booking system early in your lessons, so you’ll feel totally confident when the rules kick in.

The government is currently asking for opinions on:

• A possible 3-month or 6-month wait between passing your theory test and taking the practical
• The aim is to give you more time to practise in different conditions (night driving, rain, busy roads and so on)

No final decision yet, and full graduated licensing (with extra rules after passing) isn’t planned for England and Wales right now. We’ll keep you updated if anything changes.

Why it matters to you?

This is still just a consultation, but if introduced, it would encourage more gradual learning. Our structured lessons and regular mock tests already help you build skills steadily and safely.