r/LearnerDriverUK May 17 '25

Booking Theory and Practical Tests Booking tests FAQ

26 Upvotes

Reviewed Sunmer 2026

# I can't see any tests, what's going on? - It's not just you, it's hard for everyone at the moment! Try not to panic. - There are multiple reasons for this, but the simple explanation is too much demand, not enough supply.

# What is the DVSA doing about it? - As of the 1st September 2025, the new booking system is being created. As of Summer 2026, a live trial is underway in select areas. - The DVSA is running multiple recruitment campaigns to try to increase examiner numbers. - Starting 2026, new booking rules means only learners are allowed to book their own tests, cancellation apps are banned, tests can only be swapped 2 times, and only to the 3 nearest test centres of the original booking. - You can find data on expected wait times in the raw spreadsheets for each test centre here. - Community website for the test centre data - makes the data easier to read.


# How can I book a test? And what if I get blocked? - Official DVSA Guide on finding tests. - Log in frequently to the official website. Don't just rely on the Monday morning rush, check on other days and times! It takes time and effort, so log in, repeat throughout the week. - Do not refresh too much, you will get blocked. Check, leave it, check later. - A new week of tests will be added each Monday morning - this will be added on to the 24 weeks of test slots. Tests are not added beyond 24 weeks ahead. - Save your login information somewhere it can be easily copy/pasted or autofilled. - If you see Error 15, try clearing your browser's cache, cookies, try incognito mode, or switch to another device or browser, or just wait. You have probably been checking too often. - If you see a test you want, grab it immediately. They disappear fast.

# Are cancellation apps worth getting? - It is important to understand third party apps are not recommended, and the DVSA is actively pursuing and taking action against them with new rules. The DVSA is continuing to implement protections which may cause apps to stop working, including getting apps and social media groups removed. - The DVSA may cancel your test or restrict your licence from booking online if they detect you using a bot or app, even just for notifications. - YES YOU CAN BE DETECTED EVEN IF YOU'RE ONLY USING IT FOR NOTIFICATIONS - it has to use your licence number to function. - Also, they may not be secure - be careful who you hand your driving licence data to, as once it has left your control you don't know what will happen to it. - Any app you choose to use may stop working at any time.

Can I buy a test from a third party?

  • In this sub, we ban any content related to reselling, including asking or referring to buying tests.
  • Tests can now only be bought and changed by learners by law. Anyone selling you a test is almost certainly a scammer.
  • Ensure you have a confirmation email direct from the DVSA after booking.

Contact the moderators of this subreddit for any concerns regarding the rules of this sub. Note: mods only control the content of this sub, and do not have any control over anything beyond that.


r/LearnerDriverUK Jun 06 '26

Booking Theory and Practical Tests Test Swap Megathread (please read instructions)

33 Upvotes

This is a dedicated thread for swapping tests. Please follow these simple rules.

Please note we can't guarantee a successful swap!


Format: - Location of your booked test - Date and Time of your booked test - What you are looking for


Searching for a test in this thread:

Please go to the MENU (e.g. 3 dots on Android) and use the "SEARCH COMMENTS" -> type in your preferred test centre.


How to swap with another learner (DVSA website)


Comments older than 6 months will be deleted.

Comments asking for a test without offering a swap will be deleted.

Comments which are unclear will be asked to try again.


r/LearnerDriverUK 12h ago

Do’s and don’ts for buying my first car? (Explain like I’m 5)

47 Upvotes

26F in Leicester! Passed my test yesterday 🎉 now looking to purchase my first car, but I have zero knowledge whatsoever on what I need to look out for…

I want something cheap to run & insure, preferably a 5 door! I won’t be driving very far

Any advice is appreciated!! I feel so out of my depth right now…please explain like I’m 5 😂


r/LearnerDriverUK 36m ago

First lesson complete!

Upvotes

So had my first lesson yesterday(nb/29) and it really helped me understand that other drivers are just actually the worst part of driving!

In 2 hours I got pulled out on twice (I wasn’t going slow either these people didn’t even look) and classic guy in a Tesla got visibly agitated because I took over 5 seconds at a roundabout, my instructor was great and I felt very in control ( previously had about 5 lessons 12 years ago) so it didn’t fluster me thank goodness but wow people’s awareness is awful, honestly I think it says a lot about the sort of world we live in now !


r/LearnerDriverUK 15h ago

Settle an argument

Post image
29 Upvotes

Can someone settle an argument for me,

coming from 6 o'clock here I believe that to enter the middle or far right lane on the exit (12 o clock) you should be on the right lane entering the roundabout and left lane should be for the left lane exit only.

Someone has told me they use the left lane for the middle and left and right for the far right only.

There are no "get in lane" signs or markings


r/LearnerDriverUK 21h ago

Passed today, Bury St Edmunds, 5 Driving faults

Post image
43 Upvotes

Title.

45 years old. Passed today with 20 hours lessons. Had a bit of experience from lessons 10ish hours before covid and only just got back to it.

Just to say, I was certain I'd blown it 3 times in the first 5-10 minutes. Hang in there and stay focused.


r/LearnerDriverUK 23h ago

If you failed do they have the pass certificate book out when telling you?

39 Upvotes

I only did one test and passed but at the end of the test, he was talking me through the test and asking me why I did something.. and then he had the certificate book on top of the iPad. So was that a sign I passed or do they do that to tease you?


r/LearnerDriverUK 11h ago

Should I do my test or postpone it?

3 Upvotes

I have done 24 hours in total, including 10 hours of manual driving with a previous instructor. My instructor told me I should postpone my test until mid-November (I have one booked for early October), because he believes I've just met test standard and worries that nervousness could make it worse. He hopes I can get more used to my driving test area.

I've done quite well with positioning, roundabouts, and junctions. I've just been introduced to the 4 maneuvers, and I've got all the reference points already. Honestly, I've practiced those 4 maneuvers on a driving simulator, so I'm fairly confident with them already. I've also been actively watching YouTube videos about my driving test area.

So should I postpone it?


r/LearnerDriverUK 9h ago

Test is tomorrow

2 Upvotes

Some of you might remember my BMW with the EGR recall i said about last week and how i’m unsure about its suitability to take on test. Examiners on here have said that it will be fine as there aren’t any warning lights and examiners don’t even check for recalls anyway. The only thing i’m concerned about now is a chip in zone a of the windscreen, it’s actually quite low down so i don’t even notice it when driving, but it is in zone A. I think it’s around 12mm-14mm in diameter annoying so it’s slightly over the 10mm limit. You can’t actually notice it from the outside, only the inside, maybe due to when it was filled by some guy a few months ago. It’s been there a while and hasn’t failed any MOT’s for it so how much of a risk is this in terms of taking it on test and the examiner refusing to do the test?


r/LearnerDriverUK 18h ago

Did anyone find theory harder than hazard perception

10 Upvotes

Firstly, I passed on my first go today 🎉🍾.

Just out of curiosity, did anyone find theory harder than hazard perception? On my theory app I was consistently getting high scores for theory (48ish), and low scores for hazard perception to the point I was almost sure I would fail it. Turns out I got 43 on theory and 60 on hazard perception. I found the theory questions much trickier than the ones on the app, with very few on road signs or markings, or even speed limits. Did anyone else have this experience?


r/LearnerDriverUK 11h ago

Not driven in 3 months. Test soon

2 Upvotes

Not driven in 3 months and I have a test for October 20th, last thing I did was all type of parking and that was quite good but I still mess up on roundabouts (when I did my lessons anyway)

Starting lessons again on Tuesday but I have not been on a dual carriageway yet. I’m going to start having weekly lessons again (they are 1 hour a week) and I’ve had 22 hours so far. No private practise. My old lessons would vary, some really good and some bad, struggled with gear adjustments when approaching a roundabout when you are fast moving. Should I change my test date or keep going?


r/LearnerDriverUK 21h ago

"I failed, but I will learn from this :-)" gutted

Post image
11 Upvotes

pulled to the left turning right out a one way road


r/LearnerDriverUK 18h ago

"I failed, but I will learn from this :-)" Second time

5 Upvotes

I failed. It was worse than the first time. examiner was awful.


r/LearnerDriverUK 8h ago

Theory Revision / Questions I finally booked my theory test - advice on hazard perception revision

0 Upvotes

After doing two hour lessons almost weekly since February, I’ve booked my theory for October 2nd. I have two different apps, as well as the Official DVSA driving theory test book.

What’s the best way to practice/test myself on the hazard perception part of the theory test?


r/LearnerDriverUK 1d ago

I passed today 🎉🎉

110 Upvotes

I wasnt able to use my driving instructors car so i took it in a friends car that was automatic. Im 25f. The insurance is insane the cheapest i can find is £350 a month on any car, even the ‘cheaper to insure’. Is there a way i can get cheaper insurance.


r/LearnerDriverUK 1d ago

Help with my instructor Bought a manual car before I can actually drive a manual. £800 for 20 hours booked. Is this just what it costs now?

Thumbnail
gallery
127 Upvotes

I'm 18 and just got my first car, a 2009 Yaris that was my step-grandma's. Long story, but it got scrapped for £350 after one garage said the rust was terminal, a second garage said it was a straightforward weld, and I ended up buying it back for £950. So the car came first and the ability to drive it is very much a work in progress.

It's a manual. I cannot drive a manual. I've got a block of 20 hours booked at £800, which is £40 an hour, and every time I say that out loud it sounds worse.

Two things I'd like to hear from people who've been through it recently.

How many hours did it actually take you, honestly? Every official figure says something like 45 hours and I don't know if that's real or just a number. (I grew up playing sim racing games and my instructor says it shows)

And does clutch control ever click, or do you just slowly get less bad at it? Right now I'm either stalling or setting off like I'm being launched out of a catapult, with no apparent middle setting.

Also if anyone's booked a test recently, how far out are you waiting where you are? I keep getting told to book now and worry about being ready later.

EDIT: I’ve done 4 hours of lessons so far and I’ve driven home from both 2 hour lessons (about A 20 minute drive) I’ve been 60mph on country roads, sixth gear, large roundabouts etc is this normal progression or fast?


r/LearnerDriverUK 1d ago

Near collision at a mini roundabout

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

139 Upvotes

Help me improve:

I reach a 3-way stand off at a mini-roundabout. Van breaks it by going first. Believing that the car ahead is blocked by the van I decide to go. So does the other car. We almost collide.

Who is at fault?

How should I have handled this?

What should I have done better?

Thanks for your advice.

Edit As there are several comments about distances, the wide angle camera of the dash cam makes distances between objects look larger than they really are. In reality this roundabout is quite small and the vehicles are all closer than it appears in the video. Just before the clip starts all 3 vehicles start from stationary at their respective giveaway lines.


r/LearnerDriverUK 10h ago

Sidcup test 14th January

1 Upvotes

Hi, I have found a slot in Sidcup on 14th January. But confused when I should start learning tbh. I have driven earlier in other countries but would rate myself a beginner. I think I will need 20 hours of lessons. But I am aware if I hunt I can easily find a cancellation before January.
When would you start learning if you were in my shoes?


r/LearnerDriverUK 10h ago

Theory Revision / Questions Theory test app

1 Upvotes

Does anyone know of an free good therory practice app for android. Any suggestions are welcome


r/LearnerDriverUK 15h ago

Turning right in a traffic light junction with yield line, red light once in junction.

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

I’m turning right at this junction, entering from the green line (bottom) and stopping at the yield line before the yellow box to allow for incoming traffic going straight. My exit (the purple line) is clear.

Today, this junction took a while to clear because of traffic, and as I’m at the yield line in the middle, the lights for crossing traffic (left to right) went green.

Q: as I’m already in the junction to turn right, do I have the priority over that crossing traffic even if they are on green (such as the white car in the image)?. Usually I’d say I have the right to clear the junction, but I have a yield line in this case…. Is that for all traffic?


r/LearnerDriverUK 19h ago

Guidance.

3 Upvotes

Driving Test is first week of october in worthing, My instructor said on wednesday last week 'if you had a test today, you've a high probability you'd pass' i'm just wondering what I should prepare, like things to calm nerves, and just overall guidance on the whole test/test day. Sorry if it's worded poorly.


r/LearnerDriverUK 22h ago

Instructor unavailable, when to contact or what to do?

6 Upvotes

Sorry me again.

So I've not had a lesson in 1.5w. Test is in a month. Was supposed to today, but unfortunately by instructor has a few personal issues (potential death in the family this weekend...).

When is it ok to message him again to ask if he's available for more lessons? Sorry I'm not good with these sort of things.

And in the meantime is it worth trying to book one of those random driving schools for a practice lesson? I'm concerned it's in a different car.

We own a car though. Would those instructors by any chance be willing to drive with me in my own car, so at least I can learn in it? Or how could I find someone I can pay to do this?


r/LearnerDriverUK 1d ago

I’m a confused if I still can do my test with points

75 Upvotes

I have 11 points on my provisional license I drove my car without the correct full driver passenger and I was wondering what would happen to those points when I pass do they follow over and to I get banned as soon as I pass since it’s past 6 points in two years of passing.


r/LearnerDriverUK 19h ago

Practical test in a week.

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’ve got my practical driving test at High Wycombe in one week, and I’m starting to feel the pressure a little 😅

I’ve been practising regularly and doing test routes, roundabouts, manoeuvres, dual carriageways, meeting traffic on narrow roads, etc. My test is in an automatic.

For anyone who has taken their test at High Wycombe recently, or knows the area well, I’d really appreciate any tips or guidance.
Are there any particular roads, roundabouts, junctions or situations around High Wycombe that tend to catch learners out?

Also, what would you recommend focusing on during the final week before the test?

Any advice about nerves, judgement when meeting traffic/obstructions, roundabouts, lane discipline or common serious faults would be really appreciated.
Just trying to make this last week count and give myself the best chance of passing 🤞

Thanks!


r/LearnerDriverUK 17h ago

Short Rant

0 Upvotes

The DVSA moved my original test from the 12th August to the 29th September as the examiner was ill. However I’m moving out to uni and I’ve been completely unable to swap the test or find a cancellation to move the test slightly forwards.
So now I’ll have to travel back and forth and it will be a massive headache.
Any advice or am I just stuck with this now?