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Original poster

So frustrated with booking driving test

70 replies

TheatricalLife · 24/09/2025 13:02

DD has unfortunately just failed her first attempt at her driving test. No big deal, lots do. The frustrating part is trying to book another bloody test! The one she has just failed took me weeks to get...I randomly found one while searching at 5am one morning. Just looking to book again now and there is absolutely nothing available across multiple test centres, even entering dates until 2027. It's just absolutely ridiculous. I know loads of people are having the same issue, but isn't it time something was done to stop the companies who buy up multiple slots to sell on at a premium or are just total scammers? I know GOV say they are trying to tackle bots buying slots, but it's clearly not working. It looks like I'm back to trying to help DD find something again before she has to redo her theory test (yes, we've been waiting that long as it was hard enough to find an instructor who would come to a little village!)

OP posts:
daffodilandtulip · 24/09/2025 13:13

Dd did her theory in Summer 2024. Her original test not long after was cancelled due to weather, the replacement was April 2025, which was cancelled due to no examiners. She actually sat a test in August, which she failed with no minors but for a ridiculous reason - her instructor argued the point with the examiner as well - and now we're in your situation. Currently managed to get a date in January 2026, 30 miles away. If that's a cancel or fail, she'll have to do her theory again. And she's actually a very good driver, which makes it even more frustrating!

Whataninterestinglookingpotato · 24/09/2025 13:30

You have to just suck it up and use the cancellation apps yourself if you want to get a test in a reasonable time. Dd2 was 17 in March and had to book a test 40 miles away for January but then managed to get one locally for August using the app, which luckily she passed.

PassportPhotosAreHorrific · 24/09/2025 13:32

There's an app called Testi which is useful for this.

You book any test on there (even one that is nowhere near where you'd consider taking it) and then it updates with regular new slots for your local test centres - which you can then switch to.

I agree though OP, that the official system is terrible and they need to update it. I did the same as you and just couldn't find anything.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Driving & parking
Original poster
TheatricalLife · 24/09/2025 13:41

PassportPhotosAreHorrific · 24/09/2025 13:32

There's an app called Testi which is useful for this.

You book any test on there (even one that is nowhere near where you'd consider taking it) and then it updates with regular new slots for your local test centres - which you can then switch to.

I agree though OP, that the official system is terrible and they need to update it. I did the same as you and just couldn't find anything.

We have downloaded Testi, so will start on that later.
I remember taking mine and you could get a test the same week (many moons ago). Obviously times change, but the current wait times are just crackers. Having a theory test expiry of two years isn't really cutting it with the practical waits being so long.
Fingers crossed it will be next time -whenever that may be!!!

OP posts:
Sonolanona · 24/09/2025 16:20

Testi works. It's unfortunate that you have to use apps but the alternative is ridiculous! DD failed hers on 13th september... we both got up at 5.50am to be in a queue of thousands and managed to book one for end of February (actually at her test site, which was a miracle) . Paid for Testi and managed to change it to next weekend...and could have had one sooner only she needs the instructors car. You just have to be quick as soon as you get a notification. You can book the test anywhere in the UK and then set testi to look for your area . Good luck!

redannie18 · 24/09/2025 16:22

The testi app is great and free, it just signposts tests becoming available so you have to be super quick when you get a notification and have all of the existing booking info at hand.

Weedkillerworks · 24/09/2025 16:33

We didn’t have any luck with Testi, even the paid version. TestShift worked for us.

It’s shitty that you have to pay extra to book a test you’ve already paid for via an app but it did work.

Original poster
TheatricalLife · 24/09/2025 17:06

Thanks everyone.
Looks like it will end up being a re-do of the theory test for us in this case which is so frustrating and yet more money on top of £90 a week for a two hour lesson and then more money for the actual test and then more money for cancellation website. Oh well, it is what it is. Hopefully second time lucky eventually and that we dont have to do this for multiple tests.
It doesn't help that we live a pretty cut off little village with no public transport at all so I'm the one doing all the dropping off for work on top of working myself. We did think about her doing her CBT test, but DH (as a biker) isn't overly keen, especially through winter and on the narrow windy roads round here with no streetlights. He doesn't even ride through winter himself.

OP posts:
user1476613140 · 24/09/2025 17:15

DS also failed recently on his first attempt...so I booked his next test which is in three weeks time but not on mainland UK. We have had to get creative and think outside the box. It's the only way. We are not using apps. That's why the driving test situation is so bad - everyone please just stop using them! It will stop this situation if there's no demand.

We are going to a test centre we are not familiar with, but he's going a few days early to get the practice in before the test day.

At this point, any test centre will do in order to attempt a pass.

user1476613140 · 24/09/2025 17:17

DS doesn't want to resit his theory test and has 11 months left to pass the practical. We are not waiting for at least six months for a local test date to pop up. It's too much of a gamble IMO ( especially if he needs another retest).

user1476613140 · 24/09/2025 17:21

Weedkillerworks · 24/09/2025 16:33

We didn’t have any luck with Testi, even the paid version. TestShift worked for us.

It’s shitty that you have to pay extra to book a test you’ve already paid for via an app but it did work.

We are not paying more than £62 for the test. DS said he just won't do it. He is fine waiting three weeks to sit it elsewhere though in his own car.

user1476613140 · 24/09/2025 17:24

I get we are paying ferry costs and accommodation but DH and DS are making a holiday out of the trip so it's going to be a learning experience regardless of the outcome on the day🤷‍♀️

user1476613140 · 24/09/2025 17:27

I'm actually surprised that we are the only parents noticing this and there's not much uproar about it??

Surely this should be a scandal that's being talked about by many? Something needs done fast.

The DVSA need to extend the length of the theory pass certificate because students are getting penalised because they cannot do retests within a timely manner.

Original poster
TheatricalLife · 24/09/2025 18:19

user1476613140 · 24/09/2025 17:27

I'm actually surprised that we are the only parents noticing this and there's not much uproar about it??

Surely this should be a scandal that's being talked about by many? Something needs done fast.

The DVSA need to extend the length of the theory pass certificate because students are getting penalised because they cannot do retests within a timely manner.

I suppose most wouldn't have any idea there is an issue until they have to access the system themselves is the reason it's not made a massive fuss about. Say if I told my neighbours for example; they would make sympathetic noises, but as they both already drive they don't have any stakes in the game so to speak. I doubt they'd care to make an issue of it.
It's only if you go looking for information about the problem that you find much. There is a GOV page about the test booking bots and what they are trying to do about it (and seemingly massively failing) and some pieces about COVID and the impact it had and the problems they have recruiting examiners, but not really anything about what is being actively DONE to get people through their tests.
DD really wants to change jobs but is holding back to pass her test as we have no public transport nearby meaning options as limited. She already has an 1.30 hour commute with me dropping off and then a bus. We actually had public transport when we moved here, but the routes got cut so 🤷. It's crap..

OP posts:
redannie18 · 24/09/2025 18:23

The Testi app is free and you don’t have to pay any extra for tests, they don’t “hold” the tests, they just tell you when DVLA releases new dates or has cancellations, you do everything through the DVLA website.

Denim4ever · 24/09/2025 18:24

So what is this a problem nationally? Is it because too many people are learning to drive and/or there are not enough examiners? Or is there a hidden agenda type policy to try and reduce driver numbers?

SheilaFentiman · 24/09/2025 18:27

@user1476613140 there have been many threads on here and it’s widely known amongst people of the age to try it.

@Denim4ever shortage of examiners, I think.

Tunice · 24/09/2025 18:34

Denim4ever · 24/09/2025 18:24

So what is this a problem nationally? Is it because too many people are learning to drive and/or there are not enough examiners? Or is there a hidden agenda type policy to try and reduce driver numbers?

I’ve read that nearer test slots can be obtained for inflated prices online though, so it seems like a number are getting booked up and resold.

pixiedust79 · 24/09/2025 18:44

Surely all that needs to happen is that you are asked to enter your details when you book the test and only that named person can take the test. If you can’t use your slot you can cancel it but there is no way to pass or sell it on. Unless I’m missing something it seems a really simple issue for the DVLA to fix.

Superhansrantowindsor · 24/09/2025 18:49

The app works. Dd failed but was able to rebook for another one 4 weeks later and passed.

Denim4ever · 24/09/2025 18:54

Tunice · 24/09/2025 18:34

I’ve read that nearer test slots can be obtained for inflated prices online though, so it seems like a number are getting booked up and resold.

Show quote history

Sounds like they need a software/system overhaul. But supply and demand must still not be matching to a degree

Original poster
TheatricalLife · 24/09/2025 18:55

pixiedust79 · 24/09/2025 18:44

Surely all that needs to happen is that you are asked to enter your details when you book the test and only that named person can take the test. If you can’t use your slot you can cancel it but there is no way to pass or sell it on. Unless I’m missing something it seems a really simple issue for the DVLA to fix.

Apparently bots are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can navigate this. It's still happening, even with needing to input license details etc.

OP posts:
PassportPhotosAreHorrific · 24/09/2025 20:50

pixiedust79 · 24/09/2025 18:44

Surely all that needs to happen is that you are asked to enter your details when you book the test and only that named person can take the test. If you can’t use your slot you can cancel it but there is no way to pass or sell it on. Unless I’m missing something it seems a really simple issue for the DVLA to fix.

If it was a private company, they'd change it sharpish.

Gov and council systems always get away with being utterly crap.

user1476613140 · 24/09/2025 21:26

I honestly can't see this getting any better any time soon.

Furgal · 24/09/2025 21:32

None of the apps helped at all in our area. Dd had had to do theory twice so far. You can't book a test at any time in the future where we live and it has been like that for two years. What has helped is dd going to uni and booking a test there though. It might be worth just waiting.