Motorists warned of major driving test shake-up plans that could benefit thousands
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have announced potential changes.
The DVSA has announced plans for potential driving test changes which could help with exam waiting times. There are currently around 60,000 UK motorists waiting to sit their driving tests, but are being forced to wait longer than expected.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are keen to gets drivers' views on the potential changes which will impact how driving tests are booked and managed.
A spokesperson for the DVSA said: "We're looking at 2 main areas: who should be allowed to book and manage driving tests and should we limit or remove the ability to change test centres and swap tests between different learners."
The DVSA hope the to make the booking system fairer for learner drivers and also to stop motorists from being charged excessive fees when booking, reports Birmingham Live.
A spokesperson for the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) said: "The Driver Training industry welcomes this consultation as a key step in improving accessibility and usability of the test booking system for legitimate users, but equally, as an important step towards preventing access by those seeking to exploit learners through the illegitimate sale of test slots at extortionate prices.
'We urge pupils, parents and trainers to respond to the consultation and ensure they are part of enabling better, more efficient and fairer solutions for booking driving tests in the future."
Some 603,352 future practical driving tests were booked as of the end of April, according to analysis of Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) figures by the PA news agency.
That is up 16 per cent from 521,190 this time one year ago.
Labour Party MP Lillian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads said: 'Driving isn't just about getting from A to B — it's a vital link to jobs, social opportunities, and a stronger economy, which helps to deliver our Plan for Change.
"This consultation is an important move towards giving learners more say over how and where they can book, alongside setting out options to better enable DVSA to block bots from stealing slots, so learners can get on the road without unnecessary delays.
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"Working with the DVSA, we want to make driving test booking fairer, protect all learners from exploitation, and reduce lengthy waiting times."
Loveday Ruder, DVSA Chief Executive explained: 'We've been working tirelessly to bring down the driving test waiting times.
"To help tackle this, in December 2024 we announced a new plan, on which we're making good progress.
'DVSA's goal is to make booking a driving test easier and fairer for everyone while preventing excessive charges for learner drivers".
Drivers in parts of Scotland were warned this week of new parking restrictions which are being phased in. Motorists who park on pavements, dropped kerbs or are caught double parking in East Ayrshire will be issued with warning notices from Monday, June 2.
Parking tickets - also known as Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) - will start to be issued from Monday, July 7, when the full enforcement begins. Motorists who are caught parking on pavements will be expected to pay £100 which is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
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