Driving test ‘frustration’ as third party companies block book tests and hike up prices

New drivers have been left frustrated as third party companies are block booking test slots and re-selling them for a higher price.

Some drivers are having to wait eight months until they can take their test as a result, with some companies selling test slots for £200, when the real cost should be £62, set by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

One new driver, Jaiden Husseyin, 21, from Bromley north, said he had been trying to book a test at his local test centre in Mitcham for four months until he managed to secure one for January 2023.

He said: “This is just ridiculous. DVSA have also profited massively from these racketeering companies, especially with theory test resits due to the deadline of the theory test pass being valid. 

“Driving instructors also have made loads more money due to being able to extend lessons for longer than they normally would, charging even more money for using instructors’ cars as the student has no choice. 

“Some instructors are charging north of £150 to just use their car for the test.”

Mr Husseyin said the delay has caused “immense frustration” and that he was feeling confident about the test but the long wait affected this.

Some of the third party companies charge anywhere from £11 to £30 just to alert you when a cancellation is available. 

When a cancellation does become available the software that the bulk buying companies have allows them to book the dates before anyone else has a chance.

Mr Husseyin said he had spent about £1,300 trying to pass the test which included lessons, exam costs and a fee for using his instructor’s car for a test.

He added: I think this has got out of hand and I don’t understand why a Government entity can’t get on top of a “backlog” issue. People have also had to resit the theory tests due to waiting to complete practical tests which costs £30-£40. 

For young adults without support from parents or having a good job, [the costs mean learning to drive] is basically impossible.

A DVSA spokesman said: “We urge applicants not to use any third-party cancellation checking services and to always go through the official DVSA website.

“We’ve already put in place measures to monitor and prevent bots from accessing our systems while also strengthening our firewall to tackle the issue.”

Pictured top: Mitcham driving test centre (Picture: Google Street View)