Driving Test Booking Rules Set to Change: New Measures to Stop Bots from Reselling Slots
The UK government is introducing major changes to the way driving tests are booked — a move designed to protect learner drivers from being overcharged and to tackle the growing waiting list crisis across the country.
Under the new proposal announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, only learner drivers themselves will be allowed to book practical driving tests, putting an end to third-party companies and online bots that have been scooping up slots and reselling them at inflated prices.
This update comes after mounting frustration among learners who’ve struggled to find available test dates for months, with some even paying hundreds of pounds extra to get a slot.
Why the Rules Are Changing
Since the COVID-19 lockdown, the backlog of driving tests in the UK has continued to grow.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the average waiting time for a driving test stood at over 21 weeks by the middle of 2025 — with some centres hitting the maximum of 24 weeks.
Online bots have been making the problem worse. These automated programs can book test slots instantly, leaving genuine learners behind. Many of these slots are then resold by third-party companies for up to £500, compared to the standard DVSA fee of £62 for weekdays and £75 for evenings or weekends.
Learner drivers have described waking up at 5:30am or waiting for hours in virtual queues to find available test dates, only to see them disappear in seconds.
The government’s new rule aims to stop resellers from exploiting desperate candidates and make the process fairer for everyone.
Extra Driving Examiners to Tackle Backlog
To further address the delay, the government will temporarily bring in 36 driving examiners from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
These examiners, who are civil servants with driving test experience, will assist the DVSA by conducting tests one day a week for the next year.
This initiative, estimated to cost around £100,000, will help increase the number of available tests — especially in areas struggling with longer waiting lists.
In addition, the DVSA has recruited 316 new examiners, though due to staff turnover, the net gain so far has been around 40.
To retain examiners, the government has announced a £5,000 retention payment starting next year.
Limits on Test Rescheduling and Swapping
Another important change will be limits on how often a learner can move or swap their test and where they can transfer it to once booked.
This aims to stop individuals or companies from manipulating the booking system to hold multiple slots and resell them.
Every week, the DVSA releases new test appointments online, but many are snapped up by automated bots within seconds.
By restricting who can book and how tests can be moved, the new system will help ensure fairer access for genuine learners.
The Scale of the Problem
As of October 2025:
- There were over 640,000 learner drivers with a test already booked.
- The average waiting time across the 319 test centres in Great Britain was around 22 weeks.
- Three-quarters of test centres were operating at their maximum average wait time.
- 182,000 driving tests were completed in October alone — a 9% increase compared to the same time last year.
Despite progress, the Transport Secretary admitted that waiting times are unlikely to fall to the target of seven weeks by summer 2026.
Industry Reactions
The new measures have been largely welcomed by driving schools and industry experts.
Emma Bush, Managing Director of AA Driving School, said the support from MoD examiners should help reduce the pressure on the system and cut down on “unscrupulous test resellers profiting from learners’ misery.”
Similarly, Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, praised the move, saying it’s good to see steps being taken to “stop those touting tests to frustrated learners” and to reassure candidates that they’re not being pushed aside by profiteers.
At Shah Driving School Bolton, our instructors have seen firsthand how difficult it’s become for learners to find timely test dates. These upcoming changes should bring much-needed relief and transparency for new drivers in Bolton and across the UK.
What This Means for Learners
For learner drivers in Bolton and surrounding areas, this update is significant. It means:
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You’ll need to personally book your own test through the official DVSA website.
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You’ll likely face less competition from bots and resellers, making it easier to find genuine slots.
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The system will become more transparent, with fewer people taking advantage of loopholes.
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Additional examiners should help shorten waiting times gradually.
While it may still take time for the backlog to ease completely, these changes mark an important step toward a fairer, more accessible driving test system.
Shah Driving School’s Advice for Learners
At Shah Driving School, we recommend that all learners:
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Book your test only through the official DVSA website (never through unofficial resellers).
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Plan ahead — book early but avoid rushing your lessons before you’re ready.
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Stay consistent with your driving lessons to stay test-ready.
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Keep checking for official cancellations via your DVSA account if you want an earlier date.
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Avoid paying extra fees to third-party services claiming faster slots.
Our experienced instructors in Bolton can guide you through every stage — from your first lesson to your final test — ensuring you’re confident and prepared when your test day arrives.
Learn with Confidence at Shah Driving School Bolton
If you’re ready to begin your driving journey, our DVSA-approved instructors offer:
Manual and automatic driving lessons
Mock driving tests
Intensive and refresher courses
Flexible timings to fit your schedule
We’re proud to be one of Bolton’s top-rated driving schools, helping learners build the skills, safety, and confidence they need to pass and drive for life.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: 07490 662777
🌐 Visit: www.shahdrivingschool.uk
📧 Email: info@shahdrivingschool.uk
