New Rules Introduced to Stop Driving Test Booking Scams

May 12, 2026, 10:21

Introduction

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced new restrictions on how practical driving tests are booked to stop people from illegally selling test slots for profit.

Main Body

Currently, there are significant delays in getting a test, with average waiting times rising to 22.4 weeks as of April 6. This is a huge increase compared to the five-week average in February 2020. Because tests are so hard to find, a black market has developed where automated software, known as 'bots', is used to book appointments. A National Audit Office (NAO) report found that while the official fee is £62, some people are paying up to £500 on the black market. Furthermore, some companies even offered driving instructors up to £250 a month just to use their login details. To stop these problems, the DVSA now requires that only the student can book or manage their own exam; booking a test for someone else is now banned. Additionally, from March 31, the number of times a student can change their booking has been reduced from six to two. From June 12, students can only move their test to one of the three nearest centers. These changes are designed to prevent people from booking distant slots just to sell them later, which makes it difficult for the agency to plan its services. Different experts have different views on whether these changes will work. Roads Minister Simon Lightwood emphasized that the agency is making progress, noting that nearly two million tests are delivered every year. However, Emma Bush, the managing director of AA Driving School, argued that these reforms are not enough to solve the crisis. She believes that waiting times will only truly decrease if the government focuses more on hiring and keeping driving examiners. In response, the DVSA noted that its number of full-time examiners reached 1,604 last month, the highest level since 2018.

Conclusion

The DVSA has limited booking rights to learners and restricted slot changes to stop black-market scams during a period of record-high waiting times.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Jump': Moving from Simple to Complex Descriptions

At an A2 level, you describe things using simple sentences: "Tests are hard to find. People sell them for money."

To reach B2, you need to connect these ideas using Cause and Effect and Contrast markers. This makes your English sound professional and fluid rather than 'choppy'.

🛠 The Tool: Logical Connectors

Look at how the article transforms simple facts into complex arguments:

The 'Because' Upgrade $\rightarrow$ "Because tests are so hard to find, a black market has developed..."
- A2 style: Tests are hard to find. So, there is a black market.
- B2 style: Starts with the reason (Because...) to create a sophisticated flow.
The Contrast Pivot $\rightarrow$ "...the agency is making progress... However, Emma Bush... argued that these reforms are not enough."
- A2 style: The agency is doing well. But Emma Bush thinks it is bad.
- B2 style: Use "However" at the start of a new sentence to signal a complete change in perspective.
The Addition Layer $\rightarrow$ "Furthermore, some companies even offered..."
- A2 style: Also, some companies offered money.
- B2 style: "Furthermore" is a high-level way to add a new, more serious point to your argument.

🔍 Vocabulary Shift: From 'General' to 'Specific'

B2 students stop using words like "big" or "bad" and use Precise Adjectives:

A2 Word	B2 Article Equivalent	Why it's better
Big	Significant	Describes a measurable, important change.
Hard	Restricted	Specifically describes a limit or a rule.
Problem	Crisis	Shows that the situation is urgent and serious.

Pro Tip: Next time you write a sentence, ask yourself: "Can I replace 'but' with 'however' or 'also' with 'furthermore'?" That is the fastest way to bridge the gap to B2.

Vocabulary Learning

restrictions (n.)

Limits or rules that restrict something.

Example:The new restrictions on test booking mean fewer people can schedule slots online.

illegal (adj.)

Not allowed by law.

Example:The black market for test slots is illegal and risky.

black market (n.)

An underground market where goods are sold illegally.

Example:Some people buy test slots from the black market to resell them.

automated (adj.)

Performed by machines or computers without human intervention.

Example:The booking system uses automated software to schedule appointments.

bots (n.)

Automated programs that perform tasks online.

Example:Bots can book multiple test slots in seconds, giving an unfair advantage.

delays (n.)

Periods of waiting or lag.

Example:The delays in getting a test are frustrating for many drivers.

average (adj.)

Typical or mean value.

Example:The average waiting time has risen to 22.4 weeks.

increase (v.)

To become larger or greater.

Example:The increase in waiting times has caused widespread concern.

banned (adj.)

Prohibited or forbidden.

Example:Booking a test for someone else is now banned.

reduced (adj.)

Made smaller or less.

Example:The number of times a student can change their booking has been reduced.

nearest (adj.)

Closest in distance.

Example:Students can only move their test to one of the three nearest centers.

prevent (v.)

To stop something from happening.

Example:The new rules are designed to prevent resale of test slots.

crisis (n.)

A serious situation or emergency.

Example:The crisis in test availability has prompted reforms.

hiring (n.)

The act of employing someone for a job.

Example:The government needs more hiring of driving examiners.

examiner (n.)

A person who tests or evaluates others.

Example:Full-time examiners are essential for running the test schedule.

full-time (adj.)

Working all hours or employed permanently.

Example:The DVSA has 1,604 full-time examiners.