To think we need an emotional support thread for people trying to book practical driving test?

[Amberlynnswashcloth]

I want to scream!

After 3 weeks of trying, I managed to snap-up a slot on a remote island and downloaded the Testi app with the hope of changing to a more suitable location. So far I've had no luck as by the time I get pinged the slot has already gone. Logged on at 5.55am this morning and was put in a queue of 2500 people. Finally got access at 6.07am . I was able to check one venue before being chucked out with a timeout error message. Logged in for a second time only to be timed out again. After an hour of trying I was put back in a queue of 25000! My Testi is bleeping away but I can't access the site.

Anyone else feeling this frustration?

It takes a while but you will succeed with testi. I managed for my son twice as he failed his first test. Both times doing as you have, booking further away then using testi for a cancellation.

I didn’t bother trying the Monday morning stress, just waited for cancellations later in the week.

make sure your app is set up to log you straight in and you will get there eventually- there will be lots of occasions where you have missed it but keep trying. If you have an Apple Watch or similar make sure the notifications for alerts are on that as well.

I'm glad to hear that you managed to get a slot for your son.

I've given up for the morning! I've been sitting here for an hour and a half and can't even log in.

Agree with pp, don't even bother with Mondays you'll never have any luck! If it gets too difficult, some driving instructors will book on your behalf so maybe worth asking? During the week is the best time, you will get a test. My instructor was only available for two time slots in a day so I had to keep my eye out for specific cancellations and still managed to get a test booked. It's stressful but you'll get there!

That’s why I didn’t bother with the Monday mornings. Tried it once and it was too stressful. I found that cancellations and new test slots showed up throughout the week at the test centre we wanted so just kept my phone close. Have you paid for testi?
Also, speak to your instructor to see if they are able to swap tests with other instructors- we managed to get a test on testi for a different local test centre that my son didn’t want to use, but his instructor was able to swap it within her local group for the centre we did want

You need the test shift app. £14 to shift tests until you pass. It definitely works.

Update

After 4 days of obsessive checking I managed to book a slot! Its a bit earlier than would be ideal so I'll persevere and hope something more suitable comes up.

The rule change to 10 day prior cancellations is another frustration. Often, a few come up for the current week, maybe just a few days ahead and when I'm ready to take the test it would be ideal. Now I won't have that option either which is a shame.

The government need to outlaw these reselling sites, they are making the whole problem worse.

Shouod be illegal to run them, to use them .. and all appointments cancelled.

I use a link, fill in a form and pay £105 and within 48 hours I have a test at my local test centre for a couple of weeks time. Like a said on another thread about this, if you can't beat them (and you can't) join them. DM for link (we are on our 3rd test now)

Testi is useless for London centres.