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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think the government need to pull their fingers out of their backsides with regards to driving tests?

140 replies

NotTonightDeidre · 31/07/2025 23:55

DS has a test booked for the end of October. It was the earliest test we could get after he passed his theory.

He's ready to take his practical test now (has been for a few weeks) but I can't get an earlier test for love nor money!

Except that's a lie - if I'm willing to shell out over the odds or pay to sign up to an app, I might get a test sooner! But, I refuse to become part of the problem.

I've seen several slots come up, but, every time I click to book the slot is taken! No doubt by a goddamn sniper app.

Why are the government allowing this BS to continue? They're quick to block my access to the booking site because I manually refreshed the screen a dozen times, but yet the bots can book multiple slots!!

This won't get better until the powers that be put a stop to unscrupulous companies making a fast profit on selling tests at an inflated rate. And stop the apps.

I get there's a backlog. Recruitment & retention issues with driving instructors. However the lack of action against questionable bookings is only compounding the issue.

If only ranting on mumsnet could expedite the process.

OP posts:
bestbefore · 01/08/2025 08:46

Completely agree. Mine have both now passed but it’s an utter pain in the neck & another example of how shit things can be for our young people. Maybe write to your MP - see what they say? Sometimes they can raise it more effectively than others?

needtostopnamechanging · 01/08/2025 08:46

So you want them to crack down on the dodgy markets ?

do you also want them to increase the cost of the test to encourage more testers ?

Isitreallysohard · 01/08/2025 08:44

HoskinsChoice · 01/08/2025 08:27

Appreciate this is not the point of the thread, but why is this your problem? Why are you booking his tests and spending your time looking for cancellations? If your son is old enough to drive, he's old enough to book a driving test.

Do young adults not do anything for themselves these days?

Ha ha, such a good point!

ShanghaiDiva · 01/08/2025 08:41

It is absolutely appalling. You are practically forced to use a bot if you want any chance of getting a test date.

TestWoes · 01/08/2025 08:40

Wishitwasstraightforward · 01/08/2025 08:30

I have something for you to stick up your hoiked up judgey pants @HoskinsChoice: Biscuit.

😂

ShanghaiDiva · 01/08/2025 08:39

HoskinsChoice · 01/08/2025 08:27

Appreciate this is not the point of the thread, but why is this your problem? Why are you booking his tests and spending your time looking for cancellations? If your son is old enough to drive, he's old enough to book a driving test.

Do young adults not do anything for themselves these days?

You are correct - this is not the point of the thread.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 01/08/2025 08:36

It’s ludicrous. And yet another way young people are being shafted.

wonderstuff · 01/08/2025 08:36

It’s awful, dd failed, because under pressure she briefly panicked and forgot an observation, now she’s looking at not being able to retake for at least 6 months. Which impacts getting to college, getting work, seeing friends. We live in a semi rural area and public transport gets worse every year.

Wishitwasstraightforward · 01/08/2025 08:30

HoskinsChoice · 01/08/2025 08:27

Appreciate this is not the point of the thread, but why is this your problem? Why are you booking his tests and spending your time looking for cancellations? If your son is old enough to drive, he's old enough to book a driving test.

Do young adults not do anything for themselves these days?

I have something for you to stick up your hoiked up judgey pants @HoskinsChoice: Biscuit.

HoskinsChoice · 01/08/2025 08:27

Appreciate this is not the point of the thread, but why is this your problem? Why are you booking his tests and spending your time looking for cancellations? If your son is old enough to drive, he's old enough to book a driving test.

Do young adults not do anything for themselves these days?

TestWoes · 01/08/2025 08:09

Try having a ND child taking the test. The system is hugely abelist. She can’t take it anywhere, it needs to be in the locality she is used to and we’re already paying £££ for a ND friendly teacher. She passed her theory with full marks ages ago and we have to keep her lessons topped up right until the test which is months away.It’s costing a fortune. If she fails we’re going to be locked in to yet more huge expense as it will be ages for a retest. Why can’t the whole system go back to how it used to be?

DorothyWainwright · 01/08/2025 08:04

It worries me that they might not even have the IT knowledge to block the sneaker/sniper bots.

The mess was clear as we came out of the pandemic four years ago. We need more examiners to clear the backlog and now they need to sort out the IT booking system too.

NotTonightDeidre · 01/08/2025 00:02

We are looking for cancellations in a 20++ mile radius.

DS is willing to take the test literally anywhere!

OP posts:
SumUp · 31/07/2025 23:59

There was a consultation about it recently. It’s infuriating.

mumda · 31/07/2025 23:57

It was suggested on a previous thread to book a cancellation in another area.

It's appalling how they are being slow at sorting out the problem.

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