The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued new guidance to help learner drivers avoid the pitfalls of booking and managing their driving tests online. This action comes in response to a growing trend where learners are turning to unofficial websites and apps to secure earlier test appointments, commonly known as ‘cancellation appointments’, due to extended waiting times in certain areas.

With demand for driving tests surging, many learners have been tempted by third-party services that promise to find earlier test dates. However, the DVSA has raised concerns about the risks associated with using these unofficial platforms. Some of these websites charge hefty fees, fail to secure the appointments they promise, or even request personal details that could be misused.

The new guidance emphasizes the importance of using only the official DVSA website for booking, changing, or managing driving test appointments. The agency also warns learners to be wary of any third-party sites or apps that claim to offer faster or guaranteed bookings.

Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner for the DVSA, stated, “We understand the frustration of learners facing longer waiting times for driving tests, but we urge them to avoid unofficial booking services. These websites can mislead customers, charge unnecessary fees, and in some cases, fail to deliver the service promised.”

The DVSA’s guidance includes tips for safely booking driving tests online, such as ensuring the website address starts with ‘https:///’ and checking for the official GOV.UK logo. The agency also advises learners to be cautious of websites that request excessive personal information or require payment upfront without providing clear terms of service.

By releasing this guidance, the DVSA aims to protect learners from the growing number of unofficial services exploiting the demand for driving tests, ensuring that they can navigate the booking process safely and securely.