New regulations for booking driving tests are taking effect today, impacting a large number of learner drivers. Starting June 9, learners are now limited to changing their test booking to one of the three closest centers to their original location. This change aims to prevent the exploitation of the system by individuals using automated programs to secure test slots and then selling them for profit.
The goal is to address the extensive backlog of learners waiting to take their practical tests, with the current average waiting period exceeding five months. Additional restrictions have been implemented recently. Since May 12, driving instructors and other third parties, including unauthorized booking services, are prohibited from making bookings on behalf of others.
Under the new rules, only learner drivers themselves are allowed to book and manage their driving tests. Moreover, since March 31, individuals are limited to making a maximum of two changes to their test booking, down from the previous allowance of six changes.
The cost of a practical driving test is £62 on weekdays and £75 for weekends, bank holidays, and weekday evenings. Before taking the practical test, candidates must pass the driving theory test, which costs £23 and remains valid for two years.
Simon Lightwood, Minister for Roads and Buses, emphasized the government’s efforts to address the record waiting times and test backlog inherited, with almost 2 million tests conducted in the past year. The new measures are aimed at preventing test exploitation and ensuring fairness in the allocation of tests to those in genuine need.
Beverley Warmington, DVSA Chief Executive, highlighted the priority of preventing learner exploitation by third parties and enhancing fairness in the testing process. These initiatives aim to curb the resale of tests at inflated prices and free up test appointments for deserving candidates, ultimately reducing waiting times further.
