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New driving test cancellation rules introduced by DVSA to reduce waiting times

Change is needed more than ever.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 9th April 2025

Learner drivers will now be required to give longer notice periods when they need to cancel their driving tests in a bid to reduce waiting lists.

Up until this week, anyone who had booked a driving test which they could no longer attend had to change or cancel their appointment within three full working days notice, but now, as of yesterday (8 April), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requires learner drivers to give 10 days’ notice.

If learners fail to provide the 10 full working days’ notice, then they will not be able to redeem their test fee back.

According to the DVSA’s new rules, only Monday to Saturday count as working days, while Sundays and public holidays do not.

But why has the change been introduced?

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Well, according to the DVSA, lots of people who are not ready to take their driving test leave it until right at the last moment to change or cancel it, and although that appointment then becomes available to other learner drivers, many of them tend to go unused, given the fact it’s so close to the test date and they may not feel prepared enough.

So, the DVSA hopes that by asking learner drivers to give more notice, it should give other people more chance to use the appointment, and ultimately reduce driving test waiting times.

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Woman driving a car
New driving test cancellation rules have been introduced by the DVSA to reduce waiting times / Credit: pxfuel

There are, of course, some exceptions to the rule, with some learners still being able to apply for a refund at short notice if they have an illness or injury, have suffered a bereavement, have to take a school or college exam, or have their provisional driving license stolen.

On top of this, the DVSA has confirmed that it will continue to pay out-of-pocket expenses for any car driving tests that it has to cancel with fewer than three full working days’ notice.

Read more:

The DVSA is urging learner drivers to cancel their driving test if they cannot attend, rather than just not turning up.

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Five of the best sunset walks in and around Greater Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

The clocks have finally gone forward and this signals the arrival of the longer nights for Greater Manchester and the UK at large, which can only mean one thing: some stunning after-work sunset walks are on the cards.

If you’re eager to make the most of the sun while we have it at our fingertips, these walks are on hand to get you on the go and treat your eyes to some unforgettable views.

It’s not every day we get the sun shining down on us here in gloomy Manchester, so we’ve got you covered with some sunset hotspots that are nothing short of a delight.

Take a stroll with us, won’t you?

Five of our favourite sunset walks around Greater Manchester

1. Dovestone Reservoir – Oldham

Just imagine the light bouncing off here.
You can see what we mean.
Hard to remember this is on our doorstep sometimes. (Credit: Clive Gliddis via Geograph)/Richard Thorpe (via Flickr)

Is there any category this walk doesn’t find itself fitting into? If it’s not already one of the prettiest or ‘Best Boxing Day walks’, now it finds itself claiming its latest title as one of the best sunset walks in Greater Manchester too.

Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham has been a walker’s wonderland for Mancs and trekkers alike thanks to its wide footpaths that offer a much nicer and less cramped experience.

Due to its valley location and neighbouring rolling hills, you can expect to see some gorgeous views of that lovely sun as it reflects onto the already impressive reservoir.

2. Chorlton Water Park – Sale

It's hard to find a picture of Chorlton Water Park that doesn't have a four-legged friend in (We're not complaining).
It’s hard to find a picture of Chorlton Water Park that doesn’t have a four-legged friend in it (not that we’re complaining).
We managed to source one of an equally stunning creature.
Credit: The Manc Group/Monica’s Photographs (via Instagram)

A relatively flat and accessible walk, Chorlton Water Park is an easy route with some beautiful views, even more glorious when the lake and greenery catch the golden and pink hues of the sunset.

This is a dog walking hot spot, so not only are you getting outside and admiring this stunning green space, you’re also getting a chance to see some of Greater Manchester’s cutest little pups.

Being an open space with shrubs and, most importantly, a large lake, come sunset you’ll be able to capture the silhouette of Canadian geese, which makes for the perfect Instagram photo dump.

3. Rivington Pike – Bolton

Aside from being one of the highest points in Bolton, this prime sunset spot has lovely architecture and terraced gardens for you to roam through before you admire the golden hilltop views.

With summer houses, archways, waterfalls, Rivington Pike has every box ticked and maybe even a few more you didn’t even know you had.

Be warned, when people talk about getting their steps in, this place doubles down on that statement. Luckily, not only will you lose yourself in the surroundings, but there are also a lot of stone staircases you’ll encounter along the way.

4. Peel Tower – Bury

The sunset is almost as impressive as Peel Tower itself over in Bury.
The sunset is almost as impressive as Peel Tower itself over in Bury.
A stunning postcard spot and one of the best sunset walks you’ll find close to Manchester. (Credit: @fell_n_mountain via IG)

Situated in Ramsbottom, an idyllic town in Bury, Peel Tower finds itself overlooking a vast and clear landscape, perfect for anyone trying to witness a distraction-free sunset.

As you wander up to meet the mighty stone structure perfectly placed among a flurry of tall grass, you’ll encounter lots of shrubs and a few well-trodden unofficial walkways.

This route is circular and the views are one-in-a-million, encompassing everything from Manchester to North Wales and Derbyshire (weather-dependent, of course).

5. Werneth Low – Stockport

This next sunset walk is one that people flock to, and it’s fair to say this setting is probably one of the most famous, with people who have visited describing it as ‘the best sunset spot’ in Manchester.

Werneth Low, which borders Stockport and Tameside, has seen itself become a viral star much like the popular Mam Tor; walkers and photographers alike are out in their masses waiting to capture the perfect picture.

You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world once you ramble your way up this Greater Manchester point of interest, and you might even see a plane contrail or two, as the airport is less than half an hour away.

Honourable mention: Blackstone Edge – Rochdale

Glorious sunset over Blackstone Edge in Rochdale/ Credit: @to_lay_myhead_uk on Instagram
A glorious sunset over Blackstone Edge, just outside of Rochdale.
Credit: (@to_lay_myhead_uk via IG)

Here at The Manc, we know there are lots of fabulous walks in and around Rochdale, but when it comes to admiring the sunset, this one takes the biscuit.

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There’s a reservoir, a rocky incline, plenty of moorland and views across the whole of Rochdale, including a distant Hollingworth Lake, all covered in a honeydew sky.

After a trek upon the Pennines, you can stop off at The White House: an acclaimed pub which welcomes dog-walkers, cyclists and everyone in between, promising a hearty meal and proper good pint after a meander around the moors.

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Featured Images — Geograph/Instagram

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A reminder that class is permanent as Kevin De Bruyne inspires remarkable Man City comeback

Danny Jones Danny Jones Kevin De Bruyne highlights Crystal Palace Man City comeback

If there was ever any doubt that Kevin De Bruyne isn’t just Manchester City’s best player but arguably the best in the Premier League full stop, then his inspiring display at the Etihad Stadium in their emphatic 5-2 comeback against Crystal Palace should have well and truly quashed those.

Man City received a rather large early shock after finding themselves two goals down after just 21 minutes on Saturday, and it looked to be a topsy-turvy day that would once again confirm they are human in what has been their least dominant season for some time.

However, the reminder that we ultimately got is that is aging, injury problems and legs not moving quite as quickly as they used to may get the better of some, but class is permanent and if Blues could pick any player slightly past his prime to get them out of a tight spot, it will be Kevin De Bruyne 11 times out 10.

The Belgian midfielder not only got he team and the crowd back in the fight with a wonderful free-kick to make it 2-1, but he also managed to grab an assist for the third goal by Mateo Kovačić, having well and truly gotten their creative juices flowing. Speaking after the game, he made the objectives clear:

A leader, armband or not. Here’s what he has to say after the game.

Leading by example and then some.

In truth, he could have had at least one more goal were it not for a strike rattling the post, as well as essentially helped carve out the equaliser from Omar Marmoush – now on six league goals for the season – and regardless of his recent fitness issues, his quality shone through as always.

The 33-year-old described himself as being relatively “pain-free” for the last year, and putting smaller issues with hamstrings and a hernia aside, he is already starting to reflect on what has been a remarkable 10 years both for the club and him personally here in Manchester.

He went on to add that winning the FA Cup would be the “perfect ending” to his time in Manchester, but who knows? Maybe they could always tie on a second FIFA Club World Cup if he’s still around by then.

As for Pep Guardiola, you only need to see the way he looked at his number 17 when he walked off the pitch to see how much he means to the side and the fans, going on to add in the post-match that not only did he obviously “change the momentum” and the game but he knows he can always “rely on him.”

In fact, Pep summed up the legacy he’s going to leave behind in just one word…

Read more:

De Bruyne confirmed he will be leaving the Etihad at the end of the season after a decade that has established him as one of the very best players in the world, and it’s more than fair to say that City won’t be the same without him – we’re pretty sure neither will the league.

It doesn’t matter who you support, he won’t be playing forever, so enjoy watching it while it lasts.

You can watch the highlights from Man City’s magnificent Premier League comeback against Crystal Palace, led by the brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne, in full down below:

Some turnaround.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — TNT Sports (screenshots via YouTube)

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