The DVSA recently changed driving test booking and cancellation rules in an attempt to help reduce test waiting times.

These have already been met with derision and frustration from many ADIs and candidates, though the effects on test waiting times are unknown.

A new official consultation has been launched for driver trainers to share their views on the changes and suggest additional improvements to the driving test booking system.

ADIs should take the opportunity to have their say on these issues.

As those at the front line of teaching people to drive and helping candidates book their driving tests, your experience and perspective are vital to designing and developing the best system for the future.

The last consultation, before the recent changes, received only 5,000 comments.

 

From DVSA:

As part of our plan to reduce driving test waiting times, we want your views on options to change to how driving tests can be booked and managed.

We’re looking at two main areas:

• who should be allowed to book and manage driving tests 

• if we should limit or remove the ability to swap tests between different learners or change test locations 

 

These changes aim to make the system fairer and stop people being charged excessive fees for booking tests.

You can read through the options and respond to the consultation on GOV.UK.

The consultation will close at 11:59pm on 23 July 2025.

The options in the consultation are only for car driving tests.

The booking of all other tests such as instructors, motorcycle, theory and vocational will remain the same.