Plan to reduce test waiting times

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed a seven-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times. The plan includes recruiting 450 driving examiners in Great Britain and looking at measures to end the exploitation of learners seeking to book tests.

Long waiting times for a driving test can result in learners paying significantly more than the standard test fee. This is because of third party websites reselling driving tests but at a higher price to make a profit.

One of the measures being introduced includes stricter terms and conditions for businesses booking tests from 6 January 2025. This will stop resellers booking tests for learners they don’t teach and will also help prevent them buying up tests to sell at a profit which reduces test availability for genuine customers, and so that they no longer exploit learners.

DVSA has also launched a call for evidence until 11 February 2025 to gather insights on how the booking system can be made fairer and easier to use.