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Driving test: Official DVSA guide

A new ban has been implemented, preventing driving instructors from booking practical driving tests for their pupils, with only learners now permitted to book and manage their own examinations.

This measure aims to combat the illicit use of automated programmes, or “bots”, which were used to secure test slots rapidly and resell them at significantly inflated prices, with black market slots costing up to £500 compared to the standard £62 fee.

The average waiting time for a practical driving test in England has now exceeded 22 weeks, a substantial increase from the five-week average recorded before the coronavirus pandemic in February 2020.

Further changes include a new rule from 12 June, allowing test slots to be moved only to one of the three test centres nearest the initial booking, and a reduction from six to two changes…