If you’re a learner driver waiting to book your driving test but you’re struggling because of the backlog, read the tip-off we received from one of our contacts to book your test quickly.

First, what happened to driving tests?

Following the outbreak of coronavirus, driving tests were postponed during the lockdown. As approximately 4,000 people across the UK sat their test each day, this caused a massive backlog in the number of people wanting to book their test.

Following this, although learners were allowed to book their driving test, spaces were limited to the next six weeks, meaning that there simply weren’t enough slots for the number of people wanting to book their test. Learners were waiting in a virtual queue for hours until they could book it, with some being assigned numbers in the tens or even hundreds of thousands. And sadly even when some people made it to the front of the queue, the system would malfunction and the page would time out, meaning they’d have to start the process all over again.

Although, learner drivers are now able to book their driving test online again and can book their test up to 24 weeks in advance, many are still having to wait months to get a slot.

Bypassing the driving test queue: can driving instructors book tests?

We recently got a cheeky tip from a spokesperson at Caroline’s Driving School in King’s Lynn about a way learners can bypass the driving test queue. She explained that “Learners should try to book through their instructors.” She noted that her driving school had “managed to book tests for most of our learners through our business booking system”, which meant that they didn’t have to go through the same frustrating process of waiting in the queue.

Unfortunately, this might not be the case for all driving schools, but it’s worth a try to avoid having to wait in the queue yourself.

We spoke to a spokesperson from Intelligent Instructor, Lynne Barrie, Chairman of ADINJC, who explained that while accredited driving instructors (ADIs) “can book through the government gateway system” and therefore “not sit in the public queue”, they can “ONLY do it when the system is open to the public”. This means that when the public’s booking system is down, ADIs cannot access their own booking system.

Lynne also noted that “access is only to those ADIs who are already registered on the gateway”. She explained that the DVSA is currently “not accepting new [ADI] applications to register”, so bypassing driving test queues could be more difficult than was first thought.

Further to this, she warned that ADIs have recently been removed from the system for trying to book tests out of these guideline hours. So, if you do choose to contact your ADI about this, make sure you’re doing this when the booking system is open to the public too.

Can driving instructors book tests faster?

Yes, if you’re finding it difficult to book your driving test because of the backlog, it’s well worth asking your driving instructor to book the test for you. Driving instructors are able to book your test using the government website, by emailing DVSA, or by calling them and using the fast track service to get an answer to their query more quickly.

It’s worth noting that many intensive driving courses will include your driving test in the package as standard. This is often booked before you start your driving lessons so you can take it as soon as the course ends. This can be a quicker way of booking your test.

What happens if I can’t book my test through my ADI or driving school?

Driving test slots are becoming more available, but there is still a backlog. If you’re still struggling, read our blog on the shortest waiting times by driving test centre to find test centres near you that have driving slots available.

Things to remember before you book

If you’re trying to book a test, make sure that you’re test-ready when you book it as you might have to sit the test at short notice. Do this by having driving lessons at different times of the day, in various weather conditions, and on a wide range of roads. This will help ensure that you’re able to pass your test first time so you don’t have to go through the rigmarole of booking another test.

Read more tips on what you can do while you’re waiting for a driving test here. And if you’re looking for driving test centres with the shortest waiting times, take a look at our list. Plus, are you struggling to get driving lessons? Read our blog to help beat long driving lesson wait times.

Get learner driver insurance while you wait

Getting in some extra driving lessons while you’re waiting to book your test is a great way to keep your skills fresh. And if you’d like to save a bit of money and practise with family members instead, we offer learner driver insurance from 65p a day. Just call us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.