Learner drivers in Britain will need to give more notice if they want to cancel or postpone a practical test as part of efforts to reduce the backlog for slots
Learner drivers in Britain will need to give more notice if they want to cancel or postpone a practical test as part of efforts to reduce the backlog for slots.
From April 8, it will only be possible to make changes up to 10 working days before a booked slot, compared with three working days currently, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced on Monday. Officials hope this will incentivise learners to wait until they are ready to pass before they book a test, and encourage people to pull out of tests sooner, meaning there is more chance their spot can be taken by someone else.
It comes as the Government takes urgent action after waits for car practical driving tests spiralled during the pandemic and when examiners took strike action. Waiting times in England are still at around five months but a target has been set for them to be reduced down to seven weeks by December this year.
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At the end of last year, ministers announced a seven-point plan to tackle long waits. It includes action to recruit and train 450 driving examiners and to review and improve the rules for booking driving tests. The plan will also introduce tougher terms and conditions for the service used by driving instructors to book and manage car driving tests for their pupils.
Driving tests cost £62 during weekday daytimes and £75 during evenings, weekends and bank holidays. But many slots are being sold by third parties for several times the official price. Investigations found some people are using software to block-book tests as soon as they become available on the Government’s website, and then re-selling them to learners desperate to pass.
Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood said: “Driving is more than just a means of transport; it is a lifeline for many, opening doors to jobs, opportunities, and ultimately contributing to the growth of our economy. The measures announced today are another vital step in tackling the driving test backlog and ensuring that more learners who are ready to take their test can do so without unnecessary delays. These new measures will ensure that driving test appointments are used efficiently, encouraging learners to make adjustments to their schedules sooner, should they not be fully prepared.”
Loveday Ryder, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s chief executive, said: “Extending the short notice cancellation period for driving tests forms part of our 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times. This will encourage learners to change or cancel their test sooner so we can offer up those slots to other customers. We remain committed to reducing driving test waiting times and supporting learners in getting on the road when they are truly ready and safe to do so.”
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