The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has released a new consultation proposing major changes to how car driving tests are booked and managed across England, Scotland and Wales. The aim? To make the system fairer, reduce excessive fees being charged to learner drivers, and help tackle long waiting times.
This could impact learner drivers, driving instructors — and everyone working within the road safety sector, including companies like Towing Solutions, who train drivers to move safely into towing once they’re licensed.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why is the DVSA Making Changes?
Driving test demand has soared, leading to:
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Long waiting times in many areas
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Some learners paying double or more the standard test fee via resellers
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Blocking of test slots purely to resell them
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Automated bots hammering the booking system
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Test swaps being used outside their intended purpose
The intention of the changes is to:
✔ Make booking fairer
✔ Increase test availability for genuine learners
✔ Prevent test reselling at inflated prices
✔ Support learners through simpler online booking
What Is Being Proposed?
The DVSA’s consultation focuses on two major areas:
1️⃣ Who can book and manage driving tests
The DVSA is asking the public which option they support:
| Option | What it means | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Only learners can book/manage tests | Stops resellers booking tests | Instructors lose control of test readiness |
| B | Learners & instructors can book, only learners can make changes | Reduces reselling, instructors still support booking | Still allows swaps |
| C | No change | Keeps flexibility | Reselling abuse continues |
2️⃣ How driving tests can be changed or swapped
| Option | What it means | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| A | Remove swapping and location changes | Stops reselling entirely |
| B | Limit changes to just 2 total, local area only | Makes bulk reselling unviable |
| C | No change | Risk of unfair access remains |
Why Does This Matter?
Right now, thousands of tests are being swapped or re-sold at excessive mark-ups.
In 2024 alone:
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327,000+ tests swapped
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29,000+ swapped 10+ times each
Learners paying inflated fees are often those most desperate to pass — such as young people needing to commute to work.
The DVSA wants to shut down the reseller market, not learners or legitimate ADIs.
How To Have Your Say
This is your opportunity to influence the future rules.
📅 Consultation closes: 11:59pm on 23 July 2025
➡ Respond online here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-car-driving-test-booking-rules
Anyone can respond, including:
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Learner drivers
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Parents/guardians
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Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs)
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Training companies and industry professionals
Why Towing Solutions Is Following This Closely
We train people to tow after they pass their car driving test — and delays in testing can delay careers, outdoor lifestyles, touring holidays and business operations involving trailers.
We support any improvement that:
✔ Speeds up test booking
✔ Protects learners from unfair fees
✔ Ensures fair access nationwide
✔ Strengthens road safety at the start of every driver’s journey
The quicker new drivers get behind the wheel — the quicker they can learn to tow safely and legally.
Quick FAQ
Does this affect theory tests?
No — just the practical car driving test.
Does this affect towing tests?
Not directly — B+E tests no longer exist, but safe towing training remains essential.
Will this reduce waiting times?
The DVSA believes so — by eliminating “placeholder” bookings and resellers.
What Happens Next?
After the consultation:
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Views will be analysed
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A final decision will be published within 3 months
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DVSA will give notice before any changes take effect
We’ll update our followers as soon as the changes are confirmed.
Join the Conversation
Would you support:
A) Learners only managing their test
B) Instructors can book, but only learners can change tests
C) Keep things as they are?
Tell us what you think in the comments 👇
Want to Level Up Your Road Skills?
Once you pass your driving test — take the next step.
We offer:
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Caravan Towing Training
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Horse Trailer Training
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Boat Trailer Training
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Fleet & Business Trailer Safety Courses
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Trailer Servicing & Maintenance Training
👉 www.towing-solutions.co.uk
📞 01625 433251
📧 [email protected]
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