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Original poster

Thoughts/advice on getting driving test dates quickly?

17 replies

WellWoman · 06/02/2025 15:37

Has anyone got any feedback on the apps and companies that sell on cancellations?
One of my DC failed this afternoon and we want to help them get a new date asap. I have offered to pay for a service that can provide an earlier date if that is helpful, but not sure if they are any good - anyone who's been through this and has any thoughts I'd be grateful to hear from you.
The DC is in Leeds for university and would need to take it there, in case location makes a big difference.
Thanks!

OP posts:
Retrospeaker · 06/02/2025 15:39

I was on the Testi app but it stopped working when IOS did an update which was infuriating as I missed loads of tests (they released a load in one go when they got a new examiner). I’ve resigned myself to waiting now.

MulberryPeony · 06/02/2025 15:50

We tried Testi but it only worked when three of us were using the app trying to snag dates as soon as the notification arrived. The driving instructor recommended a different one but by that time DD had passed. The gov are changing the system aren’t they? I didn’t keep up with it but I remember thinking ah well it didn’t help us but at least it’ll be better from now on.

Original poster
WellWoman · 06/02/2025 16:00

Thanks - anyone used any other apps? Some seem to offer automatic booking within agreed parameters, which circumvents the need to check the app every few minutes...I'm just not sure how good they are in RL

OP posts:

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Driving & parking
Original poster
WellWoman · 06/02/2025 17:00

Bumping

OP posts:
TY78910 · 06/02/2025 17:05

I failed first time and then had another test two weeks later.

My instructor sorted it all for me - would you consider getting DC a couple of lessons with someone that will do that for them? They have cancellations etc and they move tests between all their students between all the instructors in their own network

RitaFromTheRanch · 06/02/2025 17:44

Mine got theirs through the instructor

Original poster
WellWoman · 06/02/2025 17:48

I've suggested to him that he ask his instructor before I looked at the apps. Thanks for endorsing this as a good way forward. He's a good and clever young man but gets a bit overwhelmed by sorting out life stuff...and I don't want to hold him back from learning how to deal with it all, so am just hoping we can encourage him to move forward with a few practical ideas. Hopefully he'll move it on and get pro-active on it. Confused

OP posts:
EnjoyingTheSilence · 06/02/2025 17:53

Log on to the website at 5:55am on a Monday morning as that’s when they release the tests.

DD was trying for weeks and getting nowhere. We were told this and she’s got her test booked. Still bloody months away but at least she’s in, then she can try for a cancellation.

Ridiculous system

EnjoyingTheSilence · 06/02/2025 17:54

Make sure you have all the details you need, drivers licence number, driving instructors details and payment method. Good luck

Snooks1971 · 06/02/2025 17:59

Hi OP, we used Testi too.

You need to book any test available first, even if it’s the opposite end of the country, then you use these details to input into the Testi app.

It will only work imo if you have your phone literally bloody next to you every minute of the day and also your DS prov licence details and the driving test reference number.

The whole thing is a stressful shitshow but I think it varies in different parts of the country.

DS eventually passed at a test centre which had lower rates of passing (presumably no one wanted to go there!)

Good luck to your DS!! (And yes, it was me and his Dad who downloaded the app - you can download it to several devices so that you can all be on it like a car bonnet).

Snooks1971 · 06/02/2025 18:00

Snooks1971 · 06/02/2025 17:59

Hi OP, we used Testi too.

You need to book any test available first, even if it’s the opposite end of the country, then you use these details to input into the Testi app.

It will only work imo if you have your phone literally bloody next to you every minute of the day and also your DS prov licence details and the driving test reference number.

The whole thing is a stressful shitshow but I think it varies in different parts of the country.

DS eventually passed at a test centre which had lower rates of passing (presumably no one wanted to go there!)

Good luck to your DS!! (And yes, it was me and his Dad who downloaded the app - you can download it to several devices so that you can all be on it like a car bonnet).

Sorry, I mean just book any test available via the DVLA because you can’t use Testi unless you have an actively booked test, if that makes sense!

MulberryPeony · 06/02/2025 18:13

Oh and just to let you know, there’s a maximum number of time you can change the time/date so initially just stick to big jumps of a month or more.

Original poster
WellWoman · 06/02/2025 19:21

Thanks all, some very helpful insights from you!

OP posts:
EnjoyingTheSilence · 10/02/2025 19:26

@WellWoman did you manage to get a test this morning?

Original poster
WellWoman · 11/02/2025 09:02

Ah, thanks for asking! No…I have left my DS to get on with it. He has signed up to one of the apps that automatically books you into cancellation slots that match your parameters.
I asked him on Sunday if he’d get up at 5.55 to look for slots but he was confident that his app would do all the work…I don’t think he’s got one yet. I am trying to sit on my hands and let him sort it….

OP posts:
EnjoyingTheSilence · 12/02/2025 19:25

@WellWoman good luck. My dd was desperate bless her she she got up early and got one straight away

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

Hmm, I need my DS to get a bit of that hunger!

OP posts:
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