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How Driving Test Booking Is Changing for Learner Drivers
Learners will have to book and manage their own car tests as the DVSA moves to curb scam block-bookings and limit appointment changes.
- On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency implemented a ban preventing driving instructors from booking practical tests on behalf of their pupils. Only learners themselves can now schedule or manage their own driving test appointments.
- These restrictions aim to curb the illicit use of automated 'bots' to bulk-book slots for resale at inflated prices. A National Audit Office report found learners paid up to £500 for black market slots, despite the standard £62 test fee.
- Confused.com motoring expert Matt Crole-Rees noted the rule is a 'big shift' following March changes that reduced allowable booking amendments from six to two. While intended to improve fairness, such restrictions could complicate control for learners facing long wait times.
- Robert Wingrove, chair of the Banbury Association of Driving Instructors, warned that frequent test cancellations create unpaid gaps in instructor diaries. Average practical waiting times now exceed 22 weeks, compounding frustration for learners awaiting rearranged appointments.
- From June 9, learners will be restricted to moving bookings only to the three nearest test centres. Emma Bush of the AA Driving School called the booking ban 'unlikely to be the silver bullet,' urging focus on recruiting more test examiners.
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22 Articles
22 Articles
Oxford Mail+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
New DVSA rules for driving test bookings come into force today - see what's changed
New rules around driving instructors booking test slots has come into effect from today (May 12). aimed at tackling abuse of the booking system.
·Oxford, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources22
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
13%
C 75%
12%
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