The DVSA has announced that changes initially trialled at 20 driving test centres earlier this year will be implemented across the country from 24 November 2025. These updates aim to make the driving test more representative of real-world conditions and to enhance safety for young drivers—particularly on rural roads, where they remain at higher risk.
Between 2019 and 2023, nearly half of all fatal or serious collisions involving young drivers occurred on rural routes. In response, the DVSA plans to incorporate more of these roads into test routes, helping learners develop the confidence, awareness, and hazard perception skills needed to navigate higher-risk environments.
Key Changes to the Driving Test
Where suitable local roads are available, examiners will now be encouraged to conduct more of the test on rural, high-speed, and technically challenging routes. In addition, several operational updates have been confirmed:
According to the DVSA, these changes will reduce the need to seek out quieter roads for routine stops, allowing test routes to flow more naturally and include a broader mix of driving conditions.