NASP-FAQs-on-test-waiting-time-measures - FAQ for driver training industry stakeholders

Sep 18, 2026

FAQ for driver training stakeholders explains proposed changes to driving test booking, focusing on allowing only learner drivers to book and manage car tests. The rationale is to make bookings fair and safe by preventing overcharging, misuse of learner data, and bot-driven third-party exploitation. Verification will rely on stronger identification and authentication tied to the learner’s driving licence number, with monitoring and evaluation after implementation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

FAQ for driver training industry stakeholders

Booking eligibility and fairness

Impact on other providers and systems

Identification verification and preventing misuse

Implementation timeline and communications

FAQ for driver training industry stakeholders Only learner drivers can book and manage their test Q: What was the basis or rationale for the decision to prevent approved driving instructors (ADI) from booking tests for their students and what will the benefits be? A: We need to make booking a driving test fair and safe for learner drivers. This includes preventing them from being charged more than the prescribed test fee and preventing their data being misused. Our call for evidence data showed that 40 .4% of learner drivers paid more than the standard fee of £62 (£75 on evenings and weekends) . Data shows learners paid a median of £122 for a test. To do this, we need to use technology to verify that the person booking is the learner driver. Further detail on the rationale will be provided in the consultation report which we are working to publish. Q: Is DVSA concerned that allowing only pupils to book tests will give rise to more FTAs and more private runners? A: ADIs will continue to be able to use our systems to update their availability to take a learner for a test. Therefore, we do not expect to see any changes in FTAs or learners using their own vehicle because of these changes. In response to our recent call for evidence, 90% of learner drivers told us they booked their last driving test themselves through [gov.uk. Our data shows](gov.uk. Our data shows) that a lot of FTAs and short notice cancellations are being done through the OBS system which only businesses and ADIs have access to. Q: What percentage of ADIs chose to allow learners only to book and manage driving tests? A: We are currently seeking ministerial approval to publish the consultation report which will provide this detail. Q: What will stop learner drivers passing their details to third parties to book and manage tests on their behalf? A: We aim to prevent this by implementing a stronger identification verification and authentication in the system. We will update you when we can on how this will be done. This in addition to test bookings needing the learner ’s driving licence number. We have warned learner drivers around the risks of sharing their driving licence number. Q: How will giving pupils sole control of booking tests decrease panic buying and also ensure their readiness for test and licensure? A: This approach reduces the likelihood of unfair competition and will make the system fairer for learner drivers. ADIs will still play a crucial role in advising a learner when they are ready to take a test. We will continue to use the Ready to Pass? campaign to encourage learner drivers to only take a test when ready and to listen to the advice of their driving instructor. Q: Many of the non-standard clients will be unable to self-book, including those with reading or learning difficulties. Will there be some alternative booking system for them? A: We are aware that some learners will require support to book a test from an accessibility point of view, and we are working through the detail to ensure they are not disadvantaged. Q: How effective do you think the change regarding test bookings will be and when do you expect to start seeing impact following implementation? A: The changes will help make the booking system fairer for learner drivers. We will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the changes in due course. Once the regsand technology is in place we expect to see an impact fairly quickly after implementation of the changes. Q: When will the changes to the booking system be implemented? A: We aim to introduce the changes in Spring 2026. Until that point all customers will be able to use the booking system as they do now. In the meantime, we will work closely with you to prepare for the changes. Q: Will the OBS be turned off? A: These changes will only affect car tests – motorcycle and vocational tests will still be able to be booked through OBS. Driving instructors will also still be able to share their

FAQs

Why prevent approved driving instructors (ADI) from booking tests for their students?

The aim is to make test booking fair and safe by preventing overcharging beyond the prescribed fee and reducing misuse of learner data. The system will use technology to verify that the person booking is the learner driver.

Will this change increase failed-to-attend (FTA) rates or private runners?

ADIs can continue using DVSA systems to update availability, so no significant change to FTAs or learners using their own vehicle is expected from these booking changes.

How will the system stop learners passing details to third parties to book and manage tests?

DVSA plans stronger identification verification and authentication in the system. Test bookings will also require the learner’s driving licence number, and learners have been warned about the risks of sharing it.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Berry Peter