Exploitation of Learner Drivers Through Reselling Driving Test Slots

In the United Kingdom, learner drivers are facing increasing difficulties in securing practical driving test appointments, leading to the emergence of a thriving black market for reselling these slots at exorbitant prices. As of June 2025, the average waiting time for a practical driving test has surged to 22.3 weeks, according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This backlog has prompted many desperate learners to turn to unofficial brokers who exploit the scarcity of available appointments.

The DVSA reported that as of May 2025, there were a staggering 631,472 future practical driving tests booked, a number that reflects sustained increased demand and a shift in booking behavior among learners. "Learner drivers are increasingly booking tests much earlier in their learning journey, often before they have even taken any lessons," stated a spokesperson for the DVSA. This has resulted in a market where brokers are selling appointments for more than double the official price of £62.

One learner, who spoke to the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.), described her experience of booking a last-minute test through her instructor, paying £137 instead of the standard fee. “If you fail, you know you’re going to have to keep paying,” she remarked, highlighting the pressure many learners feel to pass on their first attempt. The instructor system, designed to facilitate legitimate bookings, has inadvertently allowed brokers to access slots and resell them to anxious learners.

The DVSA has acknowledged the issue, admitting that the long waiting times have led to a rise in automated bots that exploit the booking system. Many brokers utilize driving instructors' official Personal Reference Numbers to secure appointments, which they then sell at inflated prices. The DVSA's terms of service explicitly prohibit such practices, yet enforcement has proven challenging. Between January 2023 and 2025, the agency issued 350 warnings and closed 813 business accounts for misuse of its booking service.

Driving instructors have expressed concern over the impact of this exploitation on students. One instructor, wishing to remain anonymous, stated, “They are making so much profit from this. It’s wrong and immoral. People should not be forced to use these alternative sites just to pass their tests.” Many instructors find themselves unable to book slots for their legitimate students due to the proliferation of brokers in the system.

In response to the growing crisis, the DVSA launched a consultation in July 2025 to explore potential reforms to the driving test booking system. These discussions aim to address the issues of block booking and the use of bots, with the intention of creating a fairer system for all learners. “Our consultation will inform the next steps on improvements we can make to the test booking system so it’s easier and fairer for everyone,” a DVSA spokesperson commented.

Despite these efforts, many learners remain trapped in a cycle of desperation, often resorting to paying inflated prices for the chance to pass their tests. The current situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable learners from exploitation in a market that has become increasingly predatory. As the DVSA continues to navigate these challenges, the future of driving test accessibility remains uncertain, with many calling for stronger regulations to curb the activities of unscrupulous brokers.