Driving Test Booking Rules Altered to Tackle Reselling and Cut Waiting Lists
Significant alterations to the process of booking driving tests are being introduced from 9 June, aiming to curb the practice of bots and firms bulk-buying and reselling slots at inflated prices, and to alleviate waiting lists stretching up to six months.
Stricter Booking Controls Implemented
As of 12 May, only the learner driver themselves is authorised to book, alter, or swap their own driving test. This measure prohibits driving instructors from booking tests on behalf of students, a previous practice. Tests already booked by instructors remain unaffected by this specific change.
An investigation in December uncovered a network where some driving instructors were allegedly offered kickbacks of up to £250 monthly to sell their official test-booking login details. These details were then exploited by touts to secure tests en masse and offload them to learners via social media platforms, with prices reaching as high as £500 for tests that typically cost £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings, weekends, or bank holidays.
Learner drivers must now consult their instructor to confirm readiness and obtain their reference number, which is required during the booking process to ensure instructor availability.
Limits on Test Modifications and Location
Since 31 March, a maximum of two changes are permitted per booked test slot. This includes modifications to the date, time, or test centre, or swapping with another learner driver. Changing multiple parameters simultaneously, such as date and test centre, counts as a single change. If the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency initiates a change, it does not count against the learner's allowance.
Should a learner require more than two changes, they must cancel their existing test and book a new one. A refund is issued if cancellation occurs at least 10 working days prior to the test date.
From 9 June, any request to move a test will be restricted to the three test centres geographically closest to the initial booking location. This encourages booking at a genuinely intended test centre and selecting a realistic date for test readiness.
