The DVSA has pledged to introduce tougher measures for motorists who book a large number of driving tests at once in a bid to ramp up prices for learner drivers.
It comes after a petition was launched demanding an urgent review of the test booking process and the introduction of penalties for those caught reselling tests for a higher fee.
The petition, which has already gathered more than 1,500 signatures, raised concerns about the booking system’s vulnerability to computer hacks which can allow people to purchase multiple test slots and resell them at extortionate rates.
Currently, reselling a driving test is not against the law, though the practice has drawn criticism from learner drivers and instructors facing extended waiting times for tests.
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The DVSA closed 813 business accounts for overbooking practical tests last year
PA
The petition detailed: “I think the DVSA should upgrade the booking site so only one booking can be done per licence, unless someone has failed a test. I believe the Government should review the booking process so that it is closely monitored with heavy fines and ADI badges taken off people caught selling tests.
“I believe the online booking system is vulnerable to bots which can buy multiple tests. I believe that extending the validity of the driving theory test certificate to three years could help with this process.”
However, the DVSA explained that between January 2023 and January 2025, the DVSA took significant enforcement action against the misuse of its booking service. The agency issued 350 warnings and suspended 792 accounts during this period.
A further 813 business accounts were permanently closed for violating the terms and conditions of the booking system.
Last month, the DVSA unveiled new rules to ensure only qualified driving instructors or businesses employing them would be able to book tests.
The rules also prohibit driving instructors from booking tests for learners they are not teaching and bans users from booking for learner drivers who have no intention of taking the test.
A DVSA spokesperson told GB News: “In December, we launched our seven-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times. The measures will help make the driving test booking system fairer for learners, better protecting them from exploitation, and continue to provide them with the tools to help them pass their test.
“The plan will build on our work last year which provided over two million tests to help learners get on the road sooner.”
The plan includes recruiting 450 new driving examiners, reviewing booking rules and increasing the notice period for test cancellations to 10 days.
The DVSA also revealed it will also be expanding its “Ready to Pass?” campaign to encourage better test preparation while reducing the number of bookings made too soon.
The plan builds on the agency’s work last year, which provided over two million tests to help learners get on the road sooner. The agency recently completed a call for evidence on driving test booking experiences, which was active from December 18 to February 11, 2025.
The agency is now analysing the feedback to develop proposals for improving the rules and booking system, with a further consultation expected to launch in the coming months.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The new DVSA rules for driving tests were introduced on January 6, 2025
PA
The DVSA spokesperson added: “We recently asked learners, driving instructors and the driver training industry for their views on our booking system and processes and we are reviewing the findings.”
