Consultation on booking driving tests

[Sweetpeasaremadeforbees]

I've seen a few threads on here in the past from frustrated parents of teenagers trying to book practical driving tests. The DVSA have come up with proposals to make it easier and are asking the public for their views. I was notified because I booked my DD's theory test for her.

What's shocking (to me) is how much of this problem is down to fucking dodgy driving instructors.

Improving car driving test booking rules

Sorry if this is in the wrong place MNHQ.

Thanks. My DC is approaching driving lessons age and I have heard horror stories of the test booking system so I'll definitely take a look.

Thanks for sharing this — it’s definitely overdue. Test slots are like gold dust right now, and the whole system feels overloaded. Hopefully the consultation leads to something practical, especially for learners who are genuinely ready but just can’t get a date. There’s a bit more background on how it’s being handled here if anyone’s curious.

You should only be able to book tests in the areas local to the address on your drivers licence for a start. That would stop rich idiots booking one in Newcastle when they live in London to then cancel it once they're in the system and using paid for apps.

The government consultation closes today at midnight. It is very quick and easy to vote to say only learners should be able to book a test (not driving instructors). Just search gov.uk driving test consultation

While there may have been dodgy ADIs, the problem was actually with 'dodgy' people allowed to access the industry facing booking system (they may have actually been ADIs, but anyone could set up some kind of 'driver training' business and gain access to the system).

Trust me, noone who was making serious money manipulating the system would bother with being out on the road teaching learners...