What changed and why it matters
At HSA we keep HSA Driving News and Updates practical. Below is a compact, learner-first summary of the latest rules and DVSA changes, followed by a training plan so you can adjust fast and stay test-ready with zero surprises.
10 working days to change or cancel your driving test
Give a full 10 working days notice to reschedule or cancel without losing your fee. Plan your revision window and lesson pacing around this so you don’t waste time or money.
More time on higher-speed rural roads during tests (selected areas)
Expect longer exposure to rural and national-speed-limit roads. We’ll sharpen speed-to-vision, safe overtakes, bend reading and hazard anticipation so higher speeds feel predictable, not scary.
Wales: default 20 mph on restricted roads (ongoing, with local reviews)
In many built-up areas across Wales, 20 mph remains the default. We’ll practice sign recognition + context scanning so you adjust smoothly when limits change street-to-street.
Phones: zero-tolerance on hand-held use while driving
Any hand-held use while driving is illegal. We hard-wire distraction-free habits at the start of every lesson: phone away, route preview, cockpit setup, focus on the road.
How your lessons adapt (quick plan)
- Calendar confidence. We align your lesson schedule to test dates so the 10-day rule never catches you out.
- Rural mastery. NSL pacing, safe gap selection, progressive braking, and overtakes with clear exit vision.
- Urban awareness. 20 mph scanning: side-roads, schools, hospitals, hidden gateways and pedestrians.
- Zero-distraction ritual. Phone off/away + cockpit checks before every move.
Example lesson flow
| Phase | Focus | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | Controls, mirrors, cockpit | Calm start; attention anchored |
| Urban | Junctions, positioning, limits | Signs + context accuracy |
| Rural | Speed-to-vision, bends, overtakes | Predictive hazard planning |
| Test-style | Independent drive | Decisions under time pressure |
