To expect driving centres to offer standby driving tests?

[MitherTheresa]

DD has been trying to get a test cancellation. She’s on a cancellation app, but no luck so far, and the last 6 she’s tried to book have failed because they are ‘no longer available’.

Yesterday my daughter’s instructor offered her an extra lesson 90 min lessons at half price because the learner didn’t turn up for the test on time, so it was cancelled - AND THEREFORE WASTED! I’m guessing the instructor then twiddles their thumbs/has a cuppa and/fag, plays solitaire/wordle while waiting for the next scheduled appointment? This isn’t the first time he’s offered her last minute lessons when tests have not gone ahead for one reason or another. Another time the student forgot their provisional license!

Given the huuuuuge demand for driving tests - added to the fact that some learners use private cars (ie not the instructor’s car) for the tests - is it unreasonable to expect driving centres to offer standby tests. Y’know in the same way you can/could get standby flights? I wouldn’t necessarily expect a cheaper rate for the test, as it’d be enough just to be able to take the test!

DD already has her own car and drives quite a lot with me accompanying her. We’d happily sit at/outside the test centre in the hope of benefitting from a no-show that may arise. DD starts uni in September and we’re hoping that she’ll manage to get a test within the next month or so, so she can get some experience driving by herself before she goes off.

Any suggestions to get an earlier date will be very welcome. Currently have 5 test centres on the app, but any that come up go so very quickly.

Logistically it would not be possible. How would people secure vehicles to take their tests in, how would test centers limit the number of people in the test center, and what about the aggression of people who have sat there for five days, waiting for a no show? It's not as common as you think, and people can get very aggressive.
It's been over 15 years since I worked in DSA as a booking agent, and it was crazy then, before the apps.

You need to verify the paperwork as you would not believe how many people try to cheat in various ways.

I understand your frustrations, I feel the same about doctors appointments. But all you can do is not be a time waster yourself.

I know, but we were just glad to get a date to be honest. With all the other costs associated with driving, £40 is the least of my concerns. 😂

I used Early Tests for two tries at the end of last year and eventually passed - much cheaper than £18, text service with clear notification, etc, although I think you can only pick 3 centres. Had my phone on me at all times with sound on and was ready to quickly book and pay. It threw up a lot of slots locally including last-minute ones. This was a busy area in the South East if that helps. Very frustrating process rn I've also heard of ADIs having priority over test slots and being paid through the backdoor, this was an item in a recent Private Eye!