Currently in England, Scotland and Wales, once you’ve passed your theory test, you can book your practical driving test straight away – there’s no legal requirement to spend a set amount of time learning before doing so. But the Government is now consulting on whether to change that, proposing a mandatory learning period of either three or six months before a learner can take their practical test.

So, what is the consultation about?

The Department for Transport (DfT) has opened a public consultation that runs until 31 March 2026 seeking views on introducing:

• A minimum time period between passing the theory test and taking the practical test
• A minimum number of supervised driving hours under qualified instructors and/or supervising drivers
• A mandated learning syllabus
• A logbook or other record of driving experience for learners to complete
  These measures together make up what’s referred to as a Minimum Learning Period (MLP).

The aim, the Government says, is to give learner drivers more time on the road in different situations and conditions – such as night driving, busy traffic, or adverse weather – before they sit their practical test. That’s because real-world experience isn’t something you automatically get just by passing a theory exam.

Why now? A focus on road safety

This isn’t happening in a vacuum – it’s part of a much wider road safety strategy introduced by Ministers in January 2026. The Government wants to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035. Young and new drivers are a key focus of this strategy because data shows they are disproportionately involved in accident statistics: drivers aged 17–24 make up a small proportion of licence holders but a much larger share of serious collisions.

The Government believes that giving learners more time to build skills and confidence before testing could make a real difference in reducing crashes caused by inexperience. Evidence from other countries with similar systems suggests that mandatory minimum learning periods, when combined with structured learning requirements, can improve safety outcomes for novice drivers.

What would this mean for Learner Drivers and parents?

If the DfT goes ahead with a minimum learning period, learner drivers can expect some changes to how they plan their learning journey:

1. You might have to hold your theory pass for longer before taking your practical test.

Under the proposed options, learners would need to wait at least three or six months after passing the theory test before booking or sitting their practical test.

2. This time could count towards structured supervised practice.

It isn’t just about waiting – the idea is that learners use this period to get real experience behind the wheel, both with a professional driving instructor and with supervising drivers (like parents or guardians).

3. Parents could play an even more important role.

If a logbook or syllabus becomes part of the requirement, keeping records of practice and covering a wider range of driving conditions could become the norm. This could help learners develop better skills – and give parents clear guidance on what to practise.

4. Planning your budget and timeline becomes even more essential.

For many families, timing lessons and tests has always been a juggling act. A statutory waiting period would make that timeline more predictable – but it would also mean planning in advance to avoid additional delays or expense. That makes early preparation and good guidance from instructors even more important.

But isn’t there already a waiting time for practical tests?

Yes – even before this consultation, many learners are already waiting several months for practical driving tests, due to backlogs in the system. In fact, it’s not unusual for theory passers to find the earliest available practical test slot is already six months or more away.

However, the consultation is about legally mandating that minimum period, not just the effect of current booking delays. That’s a significant difference and one being debated by learner drivers, parents, insurers, instructors, and road safety campaigners alike.

What happens next?

The Government will review consultation responses after March 2026 and decide whether to take forward any changes in law or policy. If introduced, such reforms would represent one of the most substantial changes to the learning-to-drive process in decades.

Here at Veygo, we’re watching closely because we know every step in a learner’s journey – from provisional licence to test day – matters to your confidence, preparation, and insurance support. As this consultation unfolds, we’ll keep you updated on what it could mean for you and your family.

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