The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has implemented a series of new rules for booking and managing car driving tests, designed to stamp out the reselling of test slots and the use of unofficial booking tools. Under the changes, which were introduced in stages throughout the year, learners now face stricter limits on test amendments and are the only ones permitted to book or manage their own tests.
New Booking Restrictions
Since 12 May, it has been illegal for anyone other than the learner driver to book a driving test. This eliminates the common practice where driving instructors or third parties reserved slots on behalf of students. Additionally, learners are now allowed only two changes to their test appointment, a significant reduction from the previous allowance of six. The DVSA has also banned the use of unofficial services, apps, bots, or automated tools to search for or book test slots, as these violate the terms and conditions of the booking system.
Reporting Violations
As part of the crackdown, the DVSA has launched a new online reporting form that enables drivers to report anyone they suspect of breaking the rules. This includes individuals offering to sell driving tests, social media accounts promoting resale services, websites, and apps that facilitate unauthorised bookings. Reports can be submitted anonymously, and the DVSA encourages users to provide evidence such as website addresses, social media links, or screenshots. The agency’s enforcement team will investigate each report and take appropriate action.
Official Statements
A DVSA spokesperson said: “Seen someone offering to sell driving tests? You can report it to us using our new online form. Since 12 May, it has been against the law for anyone but the learner driver to book a driving test. Reselling tests, using unofficial apps, bots or automated tools also breaks the terms and conditions of our booking service. If you've spotted someone breaking these rules, you can now report it on GOV.UK. You can share website addresses, social media links or screenshots as evidence. Reports can be made anonymously and our enforcement team will investigate and take appropriate action.”
Beverley Warmington, chief executive of the DVSA, stated: “These reforms were about making sure that driving tests go to genuine learners, not to those who profit from exploiting them. We will keep monitoring, keep acting, and keep the pressure on anyone who tries to circumvent the system. When you book your test, only book at a test centre you intend to use - you will only be able to move your test to nearby centres, and choose a date you realistically expect to be ready by. Use your driving instructor’s reference number. You are only allowed to make 2 changes to your appointment. You have to confirm that you are the learner who will be taking the test and you agree to a set of terms and conditions.”
Advice for Learners
The DVSA advises learners to book directly through the official GOV.UK service and to ensure they only book at a test centre they genuinely intend to use. If changes are necessary, they can only move to nearby centres. Learners should also use their driving instructor’s reference number when booking and confirm their identity as the test taker. By adhering to these rules, the DVSA aims to create a fairer system that prioritises genuine learners over scalpers and automated services.
