Stop Reselling Tests

How the DVSA Can Stop Driving Test Resellers for Good

The current driving test booking system is being exploited by third-party resellers who snap up test slots using automated scrapers and sell them at extortionate prices. This not only disadvantages genuine learners but also contributes to longer waiting times and widespread frustration. The DVSA needs a robust system to eliminate this black market, ensuring fair access for all learners.

A Technical Solution: ADI-Registered Test Booking System

The key to stopping test reselling is to link learners to their Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before a test can be booked. Here’s how it would work:

1. Learner & ADI Registration Process

• The DVSA would create a secure online portal where learners must register their driving licence number, phone number, and email.
• ADIs would also have a verified account linked to their DVSA badge number.
• When an ADI takes on a pupil, they must enter the learner’s licence number into the system.
• The learner receives a one-time passcode (OTP) via SMS/email and must confirm that they are taking lessons from that ADI.
• The ADI must also verify the link through their own account.
• Once both have confirmed, the system locks the test booking capability to that ADI.

2. Booking & Swapping Tests

• Only the linked ADI can book a driving test for their registered learners.
• ADIs must select a test centre from their pre-approved list (which they set when registering on the portal).
• Test swaps can only be made by the ADI, ensuring that tests remain within their declared geographical area.
• Learners cannot swap or release their booking without the ADI’s approval.
• If a learner wishes to change instructors, the current ADI must release them in the system before they can register with a new one.

3. Security & Fraud Prevention Measures

• Strict login security: ADIs and learners must use 2FA authentication (email/SMS OTP) for account changes.
• IP address tracking & anomaly detection: Repeated logins from multiple locations or abnormal booking patterns trigger automatic DVSA reviews.
• Scraper detection: Automated scripts attempting to refresh or book tests would be flagged and blocked by rate-limiting mechanisms.
• Data analytics: The system would analyse booking trends to detect unusual activity (e.g., one ADI booking hundreds of tests). Suspicious ADIs could be investigated and banned.

4. Penalties for Rule Breakers

• If a learner is caught using a third-party scraper service, their test is immediately cancelled with no refund.
• They are banned from rebooking for three months.
• To rebook, they must call the DVSA, undergo strict security checks, and complete OTP verification.
• Any ADI caught using scraper services should be reported, investigated, and potentially struck off for not being fit and proper to hold a licence.

Why This System Would Work

This approach would instantly cripple the test-selling market because:
✅ Scrapers would have no access to tests without a valid ADI-learner link.
✅ Learners could not be exploited by illegal resellers.
✅ ADIs would retain control of their students’ test bookings.
✅ DVSA could track misuse and penalise those abusing the system.

Will the DVSA Actually Do This?

Here’s the harsh reality: the DVSA won’t fix this problem anytime soon—and here’s why.

The DVSA is part of the civil service, which is currently under government pressure to shed 10,000 jobs and save billions of pounds. Right now, every available test slot is already being sold at the standard £62 fee, meaning the DVSA is not losing any revenue under the current system.

Developing, implementing, and maintaining a more robust and secure booking system would require significant investment, which goes against government cost-cutting measures. Simply put, the DVSA has no financial incentive to fix this issue—it would cost them more money without increasing their income.

For years, they have paid lip service to stopping test reselling, but in reality, they have little motivation to overhaul the system. Unless there is political pressure or public outcry, it’s unlikely they will take meaningful action.

The question remains: How long will learners continue to be exploited before the DVSA steps up?