Driving Test Booking System to Block bots and third-Party Resellers
London, UK – the department for Transport (DfT) is enacting a major overhaul of the driving test booking system to prevent automated bots and third-party websites from exploiting the process, effectively denying legitimate test candidates access to available slots. The changes, announced today, aim to curb the practice of reselling appointments for inflated prices and ensure fair access for those who need to take their driving tests.
the move comes as frustration mounts over the difficulty of securing driving test appointments,with many learners reporting weeks or even months of waiting times. Third-party websites have capitalized on this scarcity by offering to find or even purchase available slots,often at significantly higher costs than the standard £62 fee. The DfT estimates that a significant number of tests are being booked by bots and resold, exacerbating the problem for genuine applicants.
The new measures will include enhanced security protocols to identify and block bot activity, and also stricter enforcement against websites offering to circumvent the official booking system.The DfT has not specified the exact technologies being deployed, but confirmed they are working to make the system more resilient to automated attacks.
“We are persistent to crack down on unscrupulous operators who exploit the system and prevent legitimate learners from booking their tests,” a dft spokesperson stated.”These changes will help ensure that everyone has a fair chance to pass their driving test without being ripped off.”
The changes are expected to be rolled out in phases, beginning with immediate improvements to the system’s security features. The DfT has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and adapting its approach as needed to stay ahead of evolving bot technology. Learners are advised to only use the official DVSA website (https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test) to book their tests and to report any suspicious activity.
