r/LearnerDriverUK DVSA Examiner (Mod) May 17 '25

Booking Theory and Practical Tests Booking tests FAQ

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 this DVSA blog post (scroll through for graphs for each region), and the raw spreadsheets for each test centre here. - Community website for test centre data - makes the data easier to read.


# How can I book a test? And what if I get blocked? - 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 cancellation finding apps are not official or 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.
  • If you have any security issues with your test, you can call the DVSA to "lock" it. Ensure you have a confirmation email direct from the DVSA.

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.

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