Reopening the driving test booking service

DVSA Update: We are reopening the driving test booking service on Monday 7 September at 8am. Driving Tests will be available to book in England, Scotland and Wales but will be limited, with tests available to book for the next 6 weeks. Due to limited availability, unfortunately not everyone who wants one will be able to book a test on Monday. This is until the next set of tests are released on 14 September, when we are extending the period in which tests can be booked to 18 weeks ahead. This will allow us to add over 375,000 new and rescheduled tests to be booked for dates between 14 September and 21 January 2021. As well as increasing available tests to 18 weeks ahead we are moving from 5 to 6 car tests a day. Driving examiners are now familiar with using PPE such as face coverings and gloves and the using the latest guidance for carrying out tests. This means there is more capacity to safely increase the test programmes from 5 to 6 a day. Changes to the booking service As a result of high demand, we will continue to use the queuing system we introduced last week, to ensure the stability of the system. So, when you or a pupil logs in, you will not have access to the system straight away. You will be held in a queue and given a queue number. We will regularly update gov.uk and our social media with information on driving test availability. It is possible that you will be held in the queue for some time; please do not try to access the system using multiple devices as this increases the overall queue. We will continue to update gov.uk and our social media channels to let everyone know when all tests sell out. All the available appointments are shown on the online service. The DVSA customer service centre does not have access to any other appointments, so please do not call or email them. There is not a ‘waiting list’ or ‘cancellation list’ for driving tests. You can only book the appointments you can see online. Making sure your pupils are prepared Fewer than 50% pass the test and there could be long waiting times for a re-test – so you or your pupils should only book when they are confident they can pass. It is vital that your pupils are test ready if they want to book now, as tests could be at short notice. We encourage you and your pupils to make sure they have spent time practising on a variety of roads and in different driving conditions before booking a test. Test slot availability If your pupil can’t book a test at their local centre, other nearby centres may be available. Your pupil should be properly prepared and able to take a test at any driving test centre. After 7 September, new test slots will be made available on Monday 14 September and every Monday after that. You and your pupils will need to check again when we add new tests if you cannot find one immediately. Scotland Driving lessons in Scotland resumed on 24 August and driving tests will resume on 14 September. Tests slots for candidates in Scotland will be available to book from Monday 7 September for tests from 14 September. Candidates who had their test suspended due to COVID-19 have been invited to choose a new date for their test before the general public in Scotland. Test slots will be limited, with tests available to book 6 weeks ahead only until 14 September when we extend the period in which tests can be booked to 18 weeks ahead. Customer service centre Our customer service centre is still receiving an extremely high number of calls and emails. We're sorry for the delays in getting through. You will not be able to book or secure an earlier date for your driving test if you call us. Please help by only calling if absolutely necessary; new slots and cancellations are only available online.