Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

Original poster

AIBU to think it’s actually impossible to book a driving test at the moment?

25 replies

Hallomother · 23/08/2021 20:09

I’ve been trying for weeks and every time it just says no dates available. Is the backlog still really that bad?! I’m in the south, is anyone having the same problem?

OP posts:

PheasantsNest · 23/08/2021 20:12

It's a well known issue as there wasn't any for so long. Just book any test anywhere in the country. Then get one of the apps such as Testi. I know lots of people who have got a test sooner that way.

Original poster

Hallomother · 23/08/2021 20:14

I’ll look up that app I haven’t heard of it. I thought you had to do it with your postcode etc as you input it all online so I guessed it just showed availability in your region?
I knew there was a problem but I didn’t realise there were no tests to be had at all, despite trying at different times with many different target dates etc. I thought it would be slightly better now as I’ve seen so many people doing driving lessons etc whereas previously it was hard to book those too

OP posts:

PheasantsNest · 23/08/2021 20:16

I haven't used it myself. My DD was lucky enough to pass hers last year. A lot of her friends have been struggling. I think they release the new tests on a Monday each week.

tryingtorun · 23/08/2021 20:20

When I booked my ds 's test I tried about 6.15/30am and managed to book a slot

Original poster

Hallomother · 23/08/2021 20:21

Thanks for the heads up! Willing to try anything, thank you :)

OP posts:

Loubiemoo · 23/08/2021 20:22

A colleague has booked hers 103 miles (thanks Google) away from where she lives in order to get a slot. She’s going back to her parents.

PinkiOcelot · 23/08/2021 20:24

My daughter booked her test in Leeds (nowhere near where we live) but then got the app mentioned above and changed it to our local test centre. Definitely worth doing.
I’ve also been told

flaxensunshine · 23/08/2021 20:24

Booked DDs in another town and then downloaded Testi app. 2 days later got a cancellation in our town. You get notifications each time there is a cancellation or new test date released

Todaytomorrowyesterday · 23/08/2021 20:29

We booked my daughters second test in another town for December. Once we had that booking number I used testi app - instead of waiting for a notification I checked it regularly (refreshed ALOT) and then managed to move it to early August - & she passed!
I had tried the other apps mentioned (dread to think of how much money I spent) that said they automatically booked but in 2 weeks nothing! But me manually checking and using the testi app seemed to work!

Vbree · 23/08/2021 20:33

I had to book a test in Devon and then get a cancellation app to find an earlier one in London. Lots of people have been waiting due to Covid, and more people turning 17 and wanting to pass their tests too. I can imagine there will be a backlog for a year or two yet.

Vbree · 23/08/2021 20:34

I used driving test now. It's got an auto book facility so will automatically book the new test date for you. You can play around with dates and times to suit.

Hivis · 23/08/2021 20:40

Agree re booking anywhere in the country then get straight on the cancellations app, limit your search to your chosen test centre(s) only and make sure the app is set to auto accept. I’m told there are flurries of cancellations on Saturday morning and Sunday evening. My son’s instructor said people are booking tests before they’re ready due to the delays then having to cancel as the days draws near. My son failed on 11th June and in less than 24 hours we’d got a second test, down from late November to 1st July, and thankfully he passed

SavoyCabbage · 23/08/2021 20:43

I booked one this morning after reading that the tests were released 24 weeks in advance on a Monday.

I looked at midnight last night - no tests.

Tried again this morning at 5am and got one for February 1st.

Now I am going to use Testi to see if I can get a cancellation. Presumably everyone who is one one of the apps will get the notification that there has been a cancellation at the same moment so it's going to be a race against the clock!

I discovered this morning when the tests were released that my local test centre is on,y open Monday to Friday and the first test is 8:30am and the last one is 1:38pm. It's ridiculous that more examiners haven't been recruited.

My dd failed last week so it's one hell of a wait for her next test.

TractorAndHeadphones · 23/08/2021 20:44

Try SpeedyTests - I got a test book from Sept (down from December)

TimeIhadaNameChange · 23/08/2021 20:48

I put my test on hold on the booking site. Got a phonecall after about 2 weeks with a date for 2 months later at my chosen centre.

SmileyClare · 23/08/2021 20:54

Are theory test certificates being extended because of the delay? My son passed his theory test before the first lockdown and it's only valid for two years; meaning he has to pass his practical by Feb 2022 or pay to retake the theory again.

Hivis · 23/08/2021 21:02

I’d heard the DVSA had said no to extending theory certificates @SmileyClare.

When using the app you need to set it to auto accept or you’ll never be quick enough to view and accept. You can ask the app to continue searching though and the one that was auto accepted will he released back. In 24 hours my son had been offered 6 increasingly earlier cancellations

dustofneptune · 23/08/2021 21:05

My test is coming up in October, and it was booked in June/July. It was the first available.

I'm going through a company called PassMeFast (no affiliation whatsoever - that's just who I'm using!), and they booked it for me. I believe they offer this service just for booking driving tests, without the need to book lessons through them. It's not cheap though. :s

PheasantsNest · 23/08/2021 21:13

@SmileyClare no they won't extend the theory certificate. They say the knowledge needs to be current and up to date.

SmileyClare · 23/08/2021 21:20

I think it's absurd not to extend the theory certificate. I mean I passed my theory test over 20 years ago and I'm still able to drive on the roads without "updating" my knowledge.

The tips on here about the cancellation apps are useful though, thank you.

Vbree · 23/08/2021 21:51

Yes I'm getting nervous about my theory test. It runs out on 26th October. Due to Covid and numerous cancellations I might have to resit it if I don't pass this driving test!

SmileyClare · 23/08/2021 21:59

Good luck Vbree

SpiesRUs · 23/08/2021 22:23

I booked DDs ages ago at a centre miles away just to get one and then signed up with SpeedyTest yesterday. Tonight I got a text offering one in our local town in November. It cost £20 but worth it to her get a date.

Vbree · 24/08/2021 10:03

@SmileyClare

Good luck Vbree

Thanks Smiley! Third time lucky I hope. I really crumble in test conditions!

Adsy1988 · 24/08/2021 17:34

Would definitely recommend downloading the Testi app and buying Premium in order for it to send Push Notifications of new tests that have been made available. I passed my theory test last week, booked a test for January 2022 when I left the test centre, and today managed to get a cancellation in October this year through the app. Good luck!

Flip