DVSA’s 7-point plan - Frequently Asked Questions - Test waiting times

Sep 18, 2026

DVSA provides responses to frequently asked questions from the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) regarding DVSA’s 7-point plan to address ongoing driving test waiting time issues introduced in December 2024. The document clarifies potential changes to the driving test booking system, including how tests may be swapped, recruitment of 450 examiners, use of the online business service, and procedures for raising concerns about misuse. It also explains the planned 10-day cancellation notice period timeline and communications with candidates and instructors.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking system and test swapping

Examiner recruitment

Online business service and misuse

Cancellation notice and policy changes

DVSA’s 7-point plan to tackle test waiting times Frequently Asked Questions Since the publication of DVSA’s latest plan to tackle ongoing test waiting time issues in December 2024, the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) has asked the agency to clarify a number of elements in the plan and answer some of the many questions we have had from our members on this topic. Below are DVSA’s responses. Please let your ADI association know of any further questions you may have and we will seek a response send us an email using the contact form on the NASP website [www.n-a-s-p.co.uk/contact](www.n-a-s-p.co.uk/contact) Q1. Do the new measures proposed in DVSA’s 7-point plan related to the booking system, mean trainers can no longer swap tests over in the same manner as before? For example, previously some ADIs have taken candidate’s data and booked tests for up to 10 pupils and then chosen to swap over these tests between their pupils, having‘reserved’ some spaces in this manner. Will these new proposals be designed to stop this practice? Answer: The call for evidence on the driving test booking service is a chance for all users to give their views on the current system and how it could be improved and made fairer. The findings will be used to shape a consultation on proposed changes to the booking system to make it fairer for all to use. So, any changes to the way that system works, such as how tests are swapped, will be based on the outcome of the consultation. You can respond to the call for evidence here: [https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/experience-of-booking-and-managing-car](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/experience-of-booking-and-managing-car)[-driving-tests/experience-of-booking-and-managing-car-driving-tests](-driving-tests/experience-of-booking-and-managing-car-driving-tests) Q2. Can ADIs still swap tests over by calling Customer Services and swapping pupils over, so (for example) someone not ready for test can change over with a candidate whois ready and wants a more immediate test date? Recently many ADIs and pupils have been relying on this flexibility. Answer: No changes have been made to the current booking service system as a result of the release of the 7-point plan. We are encouraging people and businesses who use the system to complete the call for evidence. The results of this will help to shape a future consultation on changes to the booking system to make it fairer for all. Q3. Have the 450 Examiners spoken of in terms of target recruitment already been recruited (or have already applied and are in process), as no Examiner jobs are [currently advertised on gov.uk?](currently advertised on gov.uk?) Answer: The 450 examiners are being recruited from the two recruitment campaigns that ran in July and September 2024. Q4. The survey on bookings is getting a lot of comments. Some suggest it is a waste of time as those abusing the system the most won’t fill it in any way (or may lie about it) so trainers are querying the point of filling it in. Answer: The call for evidence on the driving test booking service is a chance for all users to give their views on the current system and how it could be improved and made fairer. All responses will be looked at as part of the analysis and any changes to the way that system works, such as how tests are swapped, will be based on the outcome of the call for evidence. We would encourage all of your members to complete the call for evidence. Q5. We have been asked by members if DVSA wants to encourage whistle-blowing on those abusing the booking system and to clarify the process for that Answer: If any ADIs have concerns about the booking system being misused, they should speak to their LDTM who will be able to advise or raise a query with DVSA. They will be asked to provide evidence to back up the claims. Q6. Are we correct in saying PDIs cannot use OBS, but when they pass Part 3 they are told about i

FAQs

Will the new measures in DVSA’s 7-point plan stop trainers from swapping tests between pupils as before?

Changes to how the booking system works, such as how tests are swapped, will be determined based on the outcome of a consultation shaped by a call for evidence. The document does not state an immediate ban on swapping, but indicates decisions will follow the consultation results.

Can ADIs still swap tests by calling Customer Services and transferring pupils?

No changes were made to the current booking service system as a result of releasing the 7-point plan. ADIs are encouraged to complete the call for evidence to help shape future consultations on making the system fairer.

When will the 10-day notice period for cancellation be introduced, and how will instructors and candidates be informed?

DVSA is working to introduce the change from Spring 2025, but the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Instructors and driving test candidates will receive as much notice as possible ahead of the change, with messages included in DVSA’s communications plan.

Sep 18, 2026

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