Learners Turn to Third-Party Apps to Secure Driving Test Slots
A growing number of learner drivers in the UK are turning to third-party mobile apps to secure driving test slots, as the demand for tests continues to outstrip supply. According to reports, these apps alert users when slots become available through other learners cancelling their tests.
The BBC spoke to several learners who have used these apps, including Ella, who booked a test for several months away, only to pay £18 for a mobile app that allowed her to change her test to an earlier date, in April 2024. "It just felt like the only way," Ella said. "I didn’t want to keep paying for more lessons when I already felt ready."
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has warned that it does not endorse any apps that find cancellations. However, for learners like Lauren Devlin, these apps may soon become the only viable option. Lauren, 37, got her driving licence in New Jersey, US, when she was 16, but has struggled to secure a test slot in the UK. "It felt a bit scammy to me… but at this point, I may just have to try," she said. Lauren estimates she’s already spent about £2,000 on driving lessons, two theory tests, and one practical test in summer 2024 that she failed.
The BBC understands that the DVSA is facing significant pressure to meet demand for driving tests, with many learners facing long waits for test slots. The agency has increased the number of tests available, but demand remains high. In response to the growing trend of learners using third-party apps, the DVSA said: "We are aware that some learners are using third-party apps to find test slots. However, we do not endorse any of these apps and advise learners to book tests directly through our website or phone service."
Despite the risks, many learners feel that using these apps is the only way to secure a test slot. As Ella told the BBC, "I just wanted to get on with it. I didn’t want to wait any longer than I had to." The growing reliance on third-party apps has raised concerns about the fairness of the system and the potential for learners to be exploited.
The DVSA has assured the BBC that it is working to address the issue of learners using third-party apps, but for now, it seems that these apps will continue to play a significant role in helping learners secure test slots. As the BBC has reported, the use of third-party apps is just one symptom of a wider problem – the chronic shortage of driving test slots. With many learners facing long waits and significant costs, it remains to be seen how the DVSA will address this issue in the long term.
According to the BBC, learner drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to book test slots, leading to frustration and financial strain. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear – learners are desperate for a solution, and third-party apps may be just the beginning.
