New rules from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) come into effect from tomorrow, changing how practical driving tests can be booked, amended and cancelled across the UK.

From now on, only the learner driver taking the test will be allowed to book, change or cancel their own practical driving test appointment. The change is part of a wider effort to reduce the use of third-party and unofficial booking services that have been used to secure earlier test dates.

The latest update follows earlier reforms introduced in March, when the number of times a booking could be amended was reduced from six to two. The DVSA says the combined changes are aimed at improving fairness and availability in the booking system.

Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, said the new rules could make the process more restrictive for learners already struggling with long waiting times and limited availability.

“From tomorrow, new DVSA rules mean only the learner taking the test will be able to book, change or cancel their practical driving test appointment. This is another big shift for learners trying to get on the roads, especially following the earlier March changes that reduced the number of booking amendments allowed from 6 to 2,” he said.

He added that while the measures are intended to clamp down on unofficial booking services, they may also reduce flexibility for genuine learners trying to manage their test dates.

He continued: “Our research shows that since 2021, around 6 million driving tests have been taken, but only about half resulted in a pass. Pass rates can also vary hugely between test centres, ranging from as low as 33% to as high as 80%. For learners in lower-performing areas or places with long waiting times, having less flexibility around bookings could mean more retakes, more waiting and higher overall costs.”

Crole-Rees also urged learners to plan more carefully before booking a test, highlighting the importance of preparation and choosing test centres strategically based on performance data.

“It’s more important than ever for learners to think before they book their test. Plan carefully, only take the test when really prepared, and understand how local test centres perform before booking in,” he said.

He pointed to Confused.com’s driving test pass rate calculator as a tool to help learners compare nearby centres before committing to a booking.

The changes mark another step in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s ongoing efforts to reform the driving test system amid sustained demand and long waiting times in parts of the UK.

COUNTY FIFTH HIGHEST IN WALES FOR CASES RECORDED BETWEEN 2020 AND 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE has recorded one of the highest numbers of homelessness applications in Wales linked to relationship breakdown, according to new figures.

Data analysed by family law firm Rayden Solicitors shows that Pembrokeshire County Council received 1,433 homelessness applications where relationship breakdown was recorded as a primary cause between 2020 and 2025.

That places Pembrokeshire fifth highest in Wales, behind Neath Port Talbot, Cardiff, Newport and Carmarthenshire.

The figures also show that Pembrokeshire saw one of the largest increases in Wales over the five-year period, with applications linked to relationship breakdown rising by 35.4%.

Rural pressure

The findings suggest that relationship breakdown is not only a major issue in large urban areas, but is also placing growing pressure on rural and coastal counties such as Pembrokeshire.

Housing pressures in the county are already well documented, with high rents, limited availability, second homes and seasonal demand all contributing to difficulties for local people trying to find somewhere affordable to live.

When a relationship ends, those pressures can become immediate, particularly where one partner has no legal claim to a home, limited savings, or children to care for.

Cohabiting couples

Rayden Solicitors said the issue is especially relevant because more couples are living together without marrying.

Cohabiting families now account for 17.7% of all families in the UK, but unmarried couples do not have the same legal protections as those who are married or in civil partnerships.

Lehna Gardiner, Partner at Rayden Solicitors, said: “Under the current law, cohabitees have limited rights compared to those who are married.

“When married couples divorce, they have significant legal protection within the family law framework. The parties’ and children’s needs are prioritised and the principles of equality and fairness are applied.

“For cohabiting couples, these principles unfortunately do not apply. This specifically leaves the financially weaker party in a vulnerable position in the event of a break-up.”

Wales ranking

Across Wales, 15,780 homelessness applications linked to relationship breakdown were recorded between 2020 and 2025.

Wales ranked second among the regions analysed, behind only the North West of England.

Neath Port Talbot recorded the highest Welsh total, with 2,712 applications, followed by Cardiff with 1,667, Newport with 1,619, Carmarthenshire with 1,480, and Pembrokeshire with 1,433.

Legal warning

Rayden Solicitors said couples living together should consider taking steps to protect themselves, particularly when buying property or sharing financial commitments.

The firm said cohabiting couples should ensure property ownership reflects their intentions, consider a cohabitation agreement, and keep wills up to date.

The study was based on Freedom of Information responses from councils across England and Wales. Councils were asked to provide the number of homelessness applications where relationship breakdown was recorded as a primary cause between 2020 and 2025.

SCHOOL RECOGNISED FOR INCLUSIVE ETHOS, STRONG SAFEGUARDING AND PUPIL WELLBEING

PRENDERGAST COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL is celebrating a highly positive inspection report from Estyn, which highlights the school’s strong sense of community, inclusive ethos, and commitment to pupil wellbeing and progress.

Inspectors described the school as “an inclusive, supportive community with a strong safeguarding culture”, where pupils feel respected, valued, and able to influence school life through leadership groups.

Pupils’ behaviour was also praised, with inspectors noting that it contributes to a calm and purposeful learning environment.

Strong support for learners

The report highlights the strong relationships between staff and pupils, which help foster enthusiasm for learning.

Inspectors also recognised the school’s approach to supporting learners as a key strength. Staff use assessment effectively to monitor progress and provide strong support for pupils with additional learning needs, those from low-income households, and children from service families.

Curriculum praised

The school’s curriculum was praised for being shaped by staff, governors, pupils and parents, ensuring it reflects both the local community and the wider world.

Pupils’ literacy and numeracy development was also highlighted positively. Inspectors found that pupils communicate confidently in English while developing strong Welsh speaking skills.

Reading is taught systematically, helping pupils become fluent readers, while mathematics provision supports the development of number skills and reasoning.

Spotlight recognition

School leaders were commended for maintaining a clear focus on pupil wellbeing and progress.

The report notes that robust monitoring and evaluation, alongside strong professional learning for staff, are helping to drive ongoing improvements. Inspectors also highlighted the effective use of grant funding to reduce the impact of poverty, as well as the strength of partnerships with parents and other schools.

The school was awarded a “Spotlight” by Estyn, recognising highly effective practice worthy of sharing with other schools. The spotlight focused on the school’s pupil-led library, which promotes a culture of reading across the school.

Headteacher Louise John said: “We are delighted that the inspection recognised the many strengths of the school and we are extremely proud of our pupils, staff, governors and families.

“We remain committed to continuous improvement and we welcome current and prospective families to our next open day on Tuesday, May 12, from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.”