What learner drivers need to know about changes to driving test booking
Learner drivers must now follow a new set of rules when booking driving tests, as the Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) cracks down on self-booking bots.
The DVSA chose to change its rules because the average waiting time for a practical test now exceeds 22 weeks; individuals use automated programs known as ‘bots’ to quickly secure available slots and resell them at inflated prices.
A National Audit Office (NAO) report published in December found students had paid up to £500 to book places on the black market; This is well above the standard £62 booking fee.
Under the new laws, it will be against the law for driving instructors or anyone else to book tests for students. They also cannot change, change or cancel the test for someone else.
AA Driving School chief executive Emma Bush said these changes would not solve all the problems currently faced by learner drivers as more examiners were needed.
“Learner drivers continue to face unacceptable delays in accessing driving tests,” he said.
“The data clearly shows that more needs to be done to really address the situation and start pushing back waiting times. To truly improve waiting times over a long period of time, the DVSA needs to focus relentlessly on retaining and recruiting driving test examiners.”
Here’s what the changes mean for learner drivers:
Who can register for the driving test?
From Tuesday, only learner drivers can book and administer driving tests. This is a change from the previous era when driving instructors could take control of these bookings. Tests pre-booked by instructors are not affected.
How many times can a reservation be changed?
According to the rule in force since March 31, student drivers will only be able to change their reservations twice. Before this, learner drivers had a maximum of six changes.
People can change the date or time, change testing centre, or change appointments with other learner drivers. Changing more than one thing at once, such as the date and exam center, counts as one change.
What’s not included in the change limit includes:
- Update your address or contact information
- Add or remove your driving instructor’s reference number
- Changes the DVSA must make to your test
If the DVSA changes your test due to bad weather your changes will be reset but you can only make these extra changes over the phone.
If the student needs to make further changes after using both, they will need to cancel their test and book a new test. Prospective drivers have up to 10 business days before the test date to cancel the test and receive a full refund.
Where can a test be moved?
From 9 June, learner drivers will only be able to change their bookings to the three closest test centres. You can also use your second change to return to the test center you originally booked in the current booking. Current rules stipulate that students can move their exams to any suitable center in the country.
