DVSA News
Earlier driving tests aren't released at 6am on Mondays, says DVSA
DVSA updated its guidance on 5 October 2026 to explain how driving test appointments are released. The 6am Monday release only adds tests about 24 weeks ahead. Earlier slots can turn up at any time during the week.
Lots of learners set an alarm for 6am on a Monday, join the online queue and hope to grab an earlier test. DVSA's updated guidance says this doesn't work for earlier dates. The Monday morning release is for appointments around six months away, and queueing for it only slows things down for people who actually want those dates.
New appointments go live at 6am every Monday, including bank holidays, about 24 weeks ahead. Earlier appointments are not released at 6am on Mondays. They usually appear when another learner cancels or moves their test, which can happen on any day and at any time.
How test appointments are released
There are two different ways a test slot becomes available, and they work very differently:
| New appointments | Earlier appointments |
|---|---|
| Released at 6am every Monday, including bank holidays | Can become available at any time, any day of the week |
| About 24 weeks in the future | Any date sooner than the newest release |
| Each release adds another week to the booking window | Usually come from other learners cancelling or moving their tests |
| Worth queueing for if you're happy to wait around 6 months | Queueing at 6am on Monday gives you no advantage |
When DVSA updated the guidance, appointments were available up to 21 March 2027. Each Monday's release extends that date by a week, so the next one goes live at 6am on Monday 12 October.
No waiting lists at most centres
DVSA also says the vast majority of test centres do not run waiting lists or cancellation lists. There is no queue you can join at your local centre to be offered an earlier slot. You have to look for one yourself.
How long are learners actually waiting?
Half of learners who took a test in August 2026 had booked it no more than 11.1 weeks earlier. That's much shorter than the 24-week release window might suggest. Our piece on DVSA's median waiting time figures explains why this number is more useful than the old headline average.
How to find an earlier test
- Book a date first, then look for an earlier one. Having a booking gives you a fallback. Remember that moving it uses up one of your 2 allowed changes, so only move when you find a date you'll keep.
- Check at different times of day. Cancellations come up whenever other learners change their plans, not on a timetable. Checking at different times through the week gives you more chances than checking once on a Monday.
- Look at nearby centres. Waiting times can vary a lot between centres close to each other. Our waiting time checker and nearest test centre finder can help you compare. If you move an existing booking, you're limited to the 3 nearest centres to where it's booked, or the centre you first booked.
- Consider a swap. If you can find a learner who wants your date, you can swap tests through DVSA. Since 1 October, you don't both need to be on the phone at the same time.
- Make the change yourself. Since 12 May 2026, only the learner can book, change or cancel their test. Services that alert you to free slots are allowed, but anything that books or changes your test for you is against the rules.
- Never pay a reseller. The official fee is £62 on weekdays and £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Anyone charging more for a test slot is adding a mark-up and breaking DVSA's rules.
Should I still queue at 6am on Monday?
Only if you're after a test around 24 weeks away, for example if you're just starting lessons and want a date booked in the diary. If you want something sooner, skip the Monday queue and check for cancellations through the week instead. DVSA says queueing for earlier dates on Monday mornings gives no benefit and just adds to the waiting time for people booking further ahead.
Picked up an earlier test? Be ready for it
An earlier date means less time to prepare. DriveSidekick helps you practise the real routes used at your test centre, with mock DVSA driving tests built from actual road data.
Download on Google PlayFree during beta. All routes and navigation included.
Sources: GOV.UK: Driving test appointments: release dates and finding earlier tests; Driving Instructors Association: Latest test waiting time statistics; Brit Brief: DVSA issues new advice on getting earlier driving test slots.