Driving test cancellation services

by | Nov 18, 2025 | Locations

Use of driving test cancellation services

The DVSA has made it clear to all driving instructors/driving schools in the UK that they must NOT use the driving test cancellation services that use automated “bots” to constantly sweep for cancellation test slots that crop up on their booking system (see last itemised instruction in bold below). The following is from the DVSA aimed at driving instructors:

When using this service, you must not:

  • book tests on behalf of learner drivers or riders who are not receiving driving tuition from you or your business
  • use a learner driver or rider’s details to book or reserve tests without their permission
  • use a learner driver or rider’s details to book or reserve tests that are not intended for use by that learner driver or rider
  • have more than one account for your business
  • allow anyone who is not employed by your business to access or use your account on your behalf
  • use the details of an ADI who is not employed by your business
  • use the details of an ADI without their permission
  • use robotic applications, data mining, or similar data gathering and extraction tools to search for available tests slots

 

This means that driving instructors must not be swapping driving test slots between pupils that they do not personally work with as they would be breaching the first instruction above in bold. BIG TOM Driving School fully complies with all of the directives given by the regulator, the DVSA.

The public however, are advised to follow the DVSA guidance on the subject and they also offer the following warning in an attempt to reduce wasted, failed driving test attempts:

 

Check you’re really ready for an earlier test

It might sound obvious, but if you’re looking for an earlier driving test, you need to be ready to take it.

With the driving test pass rate under 50%, it’s clear that many people take the test before they’re ready.

That ends up wasting their time and money – and it makes driving test waiting times longer for everyone.

Remember, research shows that, on average, it takes people 45 hours of driving lessons with a driving instructor plus 22 hours of private practice to pass their test.

45 hours of driving lessons with a driving instructor on average to pass

22 hours of extra private practice between driving lessons on average to pass

So, if you’re thinking of looking for an earlier driving test, you need to be confident that you’re ready to pass.