Driving Test Rules to Change in Bid to Stop Bots Booking Slots

New Rules Aim to Curb Bot Activity and Inflation in Driving Test Bookings

The government is implementing new rules for driving test bookings, with the primary aim of reducing long wait times and curbing inflated prices caused by bots. These changes are part of a broader strategy to address the backlog of tests that has grown following the pandemic.

Restrictions on Booking Third Parties

Learner drivers will no longer be able to book driving tests through third parties, such as instructors or booking services. This move is expected to reduce exploitation by online bots that often hoover up available slots at inflated prices. According to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, these changes are designed to stop people from being “exploited” and ensure a fairer system for all learners.

Current Waiting Times and Challenges

The current backlog of driving tests has led to significant delays. As of June 2026, the average waiting time was 21.8 weeks, with some learners facing waits of up to six months. Alexander acknowledged that reducing this wait time to seven weeks by summer 2026—previously set as a target—will not be achieved. She stated during a meeting with MPs on the Transport Committee that the latest deadline would likely be missed.

Amelia Lightfoot, a learner driver from Devon, shared her frustration over the long wait times and difficulty in securing test dates. “The situation is incredibly frustrating and feels very unfair,” she said, adding that she had to make daily visits to the DVSA website to secure a booking.

Recruitment of Additional Examiners

To address the backlog, 36 examiners from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will be brought in to assist with driving test administration. This is part of an ongoing effort by the Department for Transport to recruit more examiners and retain existing ones through a “retention payment” of £5,000 starting next year.

While 316 new examiners have been recruited, Alexander noted that this has only resulted in a net gain of 40 examiners due to others leaving the role. This highlights the challenges faced by the DVSA in maintaining adequate staffing levels despite increased demand for driving tests.

Industry Perspectives and Concerns

The changes are seen as positive by some, such as Aman Sanghera from Clearview Driving in west London, who stated that limiting test swaps would “stop third-party companies from exploiting vulnerable learners and make the whole process more transparent.” However, Sarah, a driving instructor in Crewe, expressed concerns. She believes that limiting the ability to swap tests could make it harder for learners to secure slots due to long waiting times.

Currently, there are 642,000 learner drivers with test bookings as of the end of last month. The DVSA attributes the backlog to increased demand and early booking by learners.

In October 2026, 182,000 tests were conducted, marking a 9% increase from the previous year.

The government’s actions reflect a broader effort to streamline driving test administration and ensure fairness for all learners in the face of rising demand and technological challenges. While immediate relief may not be forthcoming, these measures are seen as steps towards addressing the complex issue at hand.