Driving Test Scramble: Learners Book Tests Before Lessons Amidst Exploitative Resale Market
London, UK – A important portion of learner drivers are now booking their practical driving tests immediately after passing their theory test, often without having taken any practical lessons, in a bid to secure an appointment amidst a burgeoning market of unofficial test resale. this trend, highlighted by concerns over exploitative pricing and the ineffectiveness of current bot protection, is prompting the Driver and vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to review its booking system.Currently, approximately 34% of learner drivers are booking their practical tests as soon as they pass their theory test. This strategy is driven by the difficulty in obtaining a test slot,leading some individuals and services to resell appointments at inflated prices,sometimes more than double the original cost. The DVSA explicitly states that it does not “run, approve or endorse” any cancellation finder apps or services, warning that tests booked through unofficial channels may be fraudulent, leaving learners without a test slot and out of pocket.
While the DVSA employs enhanced bot protection technology to combat automated test booking, the agency acknowledges that these systems are continuously evolving, making them challenging to monitor effectively. In response to these issues,the DVSA recently concluded a public consultation on July 23rd,seeking feedback on potential improvements to the test booking system.Key areas of inquiry included preventing the block booking of tests, determining who should be permitted to book and manage tests, and whether to limit or remove the ability for learners to swap tests or change test locations.
A DVSA spokesperson emphasized that the consultation’s findings will guide future enhancements to the booking system, aiming to create a more accessible and equitable process for all. They reiterated that GOV.UK remains the sole official platform for booking practical driving tests. The agency urges the public to report any social media channels or posts offering unofficial test slots or bookings to the respective social media networks, stating that decisive action will be taken against those who exploit the booking system.
