Better news on the Driving Test booking service

The driving test booking service reopened to the general public at 8am yesterday (Monday 14 September) for new bookings in England, Scotland and Wales. More than 155,000 driving tests yesterday with low numbers of people in the queue. The service reopened today DVSA have stated that: “We’re pleased to have met customers’ exceptionally high demand for tests. On Monday 14 September more than 155,000 driving tests were booked. There are still plenty of tests available to book”. We continue to monitor the queue and the number of appointments available to help us meet demand. Fewer than 50% pass the test first time, so we’re asking candidates and instructors to only book a test when they are confident they can pass. You can now book 18 weeks ahead You can now book driving test appointments within the next 18 weeks. This means you can now book appointments up to January 2021. DVSA has increased the number of car driving tests that each driving examiner carries out from 5 to 6 per day. DVSA can safely increase the number of tests a day as driving examiners are: • now familiar with how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face coverings and gloves • following the latest safety guidance when carrying out tests When you book your driving test You’ll be able to see and book appointments available within the next 18 weeks. You must be ready to take your driving test within that time. If you’re not ready, do not try to book now. The service will show you available appointments at your other nearest driving test centres if your preferred choice is fully booked. All the available appointments are shown on the online service. The DVSA customer service centre does not have access to any other appointments, so please do not call them. There is not a ‘waiting list’ or ‘cancellation list’ for driving tests - you can only book the appointments you can see online. Check if driving Tests are available at driving test centres Checking you’re eligible Your driving test booking is subject to confirmation that you have: • a valid theory test pass certificate (if you need one) • the correct UK driving licence for the test you’re booking DVSA will check that you have both of these before your test. If your test is booked at short notice (within a week of your booking), DVSA will check it as a priority before the day of your test. If you do not have both of these, DVSA will contact you before the date of your test to cancel it and offer you a refund. Practise with your driving instructor It is vital that you are test-ready if you want to book now, as tests could be at short notice.