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Original poster

Driving Test unavailability

72 replies

wildfellhall · 20/02/2025 12:09

AIBU to expect my son to be able to book a driving test?

I can't tell you how much of a grim time he had over Covid and after. He took tests in areas he didn't know and now, 2 theory tests later and he can't get a test in his local area. Now he's working full time it's even harder.

Why is the system so completely inadequate?

Is it true that people are booking tests to sell on? That can't be true surely?

My niece did an intensive course with a test at the end so I assume some companies are allowed to block book lessons?

How does this support a modern economy - it's baffling. Why can't the government intervene to improve the situation? We are so dependent on cars and public transport is inadequate. Is everyone who gets a test doing something which we don't know how to do?

Should we just tell him to give up? He has spent a fortune on lessons and now drives really well. What are our options?

OP posts:
Pastelhp · 20/02/2025 13:24

I really feel your pain OP. I passed last year and was against the clock as my theory was running out which pressured me even more!
I couldn’t get any test within 6 months on the gov website. There was recently a documentary on how people are bulk buying tests and selling them on at an inflated rate - they are apparently putting measures in to stop this, but how far they’ve got with this I’m not sure. My instructor managed to get me one in the end (at an inflated price) but I was that desperate I just paid it in the end. Annoying as I’m sure that’s contributing to the issue!

madamweb · 20/02/2025 13:23

I don't know why they havent changed the system so that tests have to be tied to a particular driving licence. It's a ridiculous mess at the moment

Chiseltip · 20/02/2025 13:16

All part of the plan to stop as many people as possible from driving. The Government won't do anything to sort this mess out.

Bakedpotatoes · 20/02/2025 13:15

I used an app and had another test in 10 days. This was 4 years ago so I know things have got progressively worse.

Original poster
wildfellhall · 20/02/2025 13:06

Sorry ds's theory.

OP posts:
Original poster
wildfellhall · 20/02/2025 13:01

So you don't think you can get a cancellation without the app?

DD's (2nd 💔) theory runs out in Sept and he is now working so we are desperate for a cancellation before then.

We will try the 6 am thing - I'm just not sure if it's possible without an app.

OP posts:
HerbieFluffyDumpling · 20/02/2025 13:00

I booked a test at our local test centre, which was around 4 months away. Then logged on everyday and kept refreshing, until a suitable date and time came up and I think you can do this a maximum of 6 times. I never used an app to do it.

Catza · 20/02/2025 12:56

wildfellhall · 20/02/2025 12:30

Did you all use the app? Thsnks!

Not initially but yes, I had no other option. It was either use the app or wait 6 months+. You absolutely can book a test for 6 months' time, you just have to be in front of your laptop with provisional license ready to log in at 5.59 on Monday morning.

Original poster
wildfellhall · 20/02/2025 12:53

Thanks. The gov websites are all very anti the apps and say they're trying to block them. Ds's DI said you can book without.

The thing which puzzles me is - with a 50% pass rate, why don't driving instructors put people through when they are actually ready? Do the queues for the more proficient drivers were shorter. Maybe it's too subjective?

But at the very least they should extend the theory test expiry - it's so unfair and so costly, it's effectively punishing young people.

OP posts:
jooee98 · 20/02/2025 12:49

Are there any legal consequences for selling booked driving tests?

SnoozingFox · 20/02/2025 12:47

Has been a shit show since Covid, the theory test slots seem to have sorted themselves out but it's a standard 6 month wait for a test round here, and we're in suburban Glasgow with four or more centres not far away.

mugglewump · 20/02/2025 12:45

Exactly as the post says above. Get up early on a Monday morning when the slots are released at 6am. I had to threaten my DS with no more driving lessons until he did this as he doesn't like early starts, but it worked.

Baggyprincess · 20/02/2025 12:44

In our experience it’s worth paying for Testi. 6 month wait to date was reduced to a couple of weeks and 15 hours in one case (the time she passed!)

OurFlagMeansAfternoonTea · 20/02/2025 12:41

The tests become available at 6am every Monday morning. My daughter got a test by booking at that time.

Original poster
wildfellhall · 20/02/2025 12:30

Did you all use the app? Thsnks!

OP posts:
Catza · 20/02/2025 12:28

You book a test in any testing center in the country, then use Testi app or similar to indicate your preferred testing center and dates. Newport has loads of available slots as placeholder. Slots are always released at 6am on a Monday.

Justsayit123 · 20/02/2025 12:27

Book a test anywhere in the country then you have more chance of getting tests in your area. This used to work in Covid times.

ComealongSpring · 20/02/2025 12:25

My friends daughter found a relatively local test in 3 weeks last summer.

ComealongSpring · 20/02/2025 12:24

I was wracking my brains or would have said, just remembered , Testi

Original poster
wildfellhall · 20/02/2025 12:17

Thanks, what is the app please?

OP posts:
MJalltheway · 20/02/2025 12:14

The app is one of the problems. You don't need the app to find a cancellation, you just need to be lucky and check regularly. Slots tend to be released early in the morning in my experience. But if everyone is using the app, then everyone has to use the app if you see what I mean.
i agree the system is completely broken, I've been through it twice with my 2 dc.

ComealongSpring · 20/02/2025 12:11

There is an app you can download that comes up with the next available tests in different areas. Presumably cancellations.

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