To want to know why the government hasn’t sorted out the driving test booking mess yet

[Iwantatest]

You literally can’t book a test thanks to bots and block booking. Go it on at 6 and just put in a 20 000 queue going down very slowly.Even if I was to get on it would be 6 months.

They know bots and block booking are a problem so why aren’t they sorting it?

They're really letting young people down.

This is part of the service that they provide. People can opt to use it or not. Much like many other services. I don’t see that it’s unfair - it’s all completely above board.

In the past you'd have been able to get another one easily when you were ready. Whereas if you know another won't be available for months, you've more motivation to think fuck it, might as well give it a go. The incentives aren't the same.

Most instructors can’t get tests either. The poster is talking about larger companies that have many ADIs and PDIs and admin staff. Most self employed instructors face the same issues as you. Everyone needs to complain to their local MPs in the hope that things will eventually get done

Well ok, you're entitled to your opinion of course. But I assume the government would prefer a level playing field rather than a two tier system like this. Hopefully if lots of people start pressurising their MP we may see a change in the system.

The DVSA software for the test booking system is old fashioned - they have to close the site overnight to allow for updates, they can't run it 24 hours a day.

That's not how govt services should work so I think the problem is more than "ban bots" and it goes right back to how the system fundamentally works.

I suspect in order to solve this issue they will have to commission a whole new system.

i’ve just contacted local MP… took minutes

Does the theory test pass not have to have the name of the person sitting the practical test attached to it though? And why does the system allow multiple practical tests to be booked against one theory test? Surely that’s a very easy fix?!

Why can’t the stop them? If it asks for evidence of a passed theory test surely it is very easy to stop them?

That's already part of the issue apparently. People who are not ready are booking tests just to give it a go taking slots away from those who are test ready. There's all sorts going on which results in wasted test slots, even rocking up without a car would you believe!!

All because demand is outstripping supply and the booking of tests is centralised. Where I live, the test centre has a lot of elderly bookings for people forced to retake after decades of driving. These then take away slots that might otherwise be available to young people.

They should definitely make the theory test longer than 2 years. Even just temporarily while they sort the issues out.

The Chief Executive of DVSA, Loveday Ryder, resigned yesterday. Here’s hoping they will get a new Chief Executive that will actually sort out the issues

Tbh i think there should be a complete rethink and that only driving instructors or driving schools should be able to book. Then they just put their candidates in a slot when they are ready.

Our youngest was able to book a test within about 4 weeks around a year ago. Reading this, seems he was very lucky.

Unfortunately they can’t because anyone can take a driving test. They would have to make driving instructors compulsory and that’s not going to happen

BBC homepage! Only learners to be allowed to book tests!

New law to clamp down on driving test bots - BBC News

Just had an email from DVLA to say they are making changes that will come into effect in Spring 2026. Too late for my DD. Hopefully!
But they are making it so only learners can book and limiting the number of moves/swaps to 2 as well as limiting where you can book your test. Also using MOD for 12 months to reduce the wait.

If ticketmaster and twickets can’t stop bots, I don’t see how the govt can either.

I had an email saying-

DVSA will:
change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their tests
introduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked
make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times

Apparently this should be in place Spring 2026. Glad they are finally looking at some practical ways to solve this 🙄

well that's a whole other issue i have with driving instruction in the UK, to be honest.

When I passed in 2024 the only thing that worked for me was booking a test months and months in advance far away wherever was available and then using Testi for cancellations where I needed a test

As i said on pg 1 or 2, the Govt is dealing with this, hence the announcement today

Only learners can book tests.

Why on earth wasn't this done years ago???

This is excellent news - really pleased that only learners will be able to book tests.

It should be easier (compared to Ticketmaster etc) because when you book a test you need to give the reference number from passing your theory test.