Reopening the online business service

Following issues with the driving test booking system last week as a result of high demand on the system following the suspension of tests due to COVID-19, we will be reopening the online booking service for everyone tomorrow (Wednesday 26 August).

This means all candidates will have access to the system to try and book driving tests in England and Wales.

As a result of Scottish Government rules Test centres in Scotland remain closed, except for motorcycle tests. Driving lessons in Scotland resumed on 24 August and driving tests will resume on 14 September.

Tests in Scotland are not currently available to book and we will let you know when we open the booking service for candidates.

Using the ‘book and manage driving tests for your pupils’ service

From tomorrow, you’ll be able to use the service to book and manage driving tests for your pupils.

Currently, we're only making test slots available up to 6 weeks in advance. This is so we can react quickly to any changes in government guidance about coronavirus.

If your pupil cannot book a test at their local centre other nearby centres may be available.

After 26 August, new test slots will be made available on Tuesday 1 September and every Monday after this date. The slots will be available up to six weeks in advance.

Making sure your pupils are prepared

We know the demand for booking driving tests is really high with more than 870,000 individual devices trying to access our booking system on Friday.

Only 35,675 driving tests will be available when the booking service reopens. They will be for tests in the next 6 weeks

When you or your pupils arrange a test, they will be able to see available appointments within the next 6 weeks.

We're not taking bookings any further in advance at the moment, so we can react quickly to any changes in government guidance about coronavirus.

Test ready

It is vital that your pupils are test ready if they want to book now, as tests could be at short notice.

Fewer than 50% pass the test and there could be long waiting times for a re-test – so you or your pupils should only book when they are confident they can pass.

We encourage you and your pupils to make sure they have spent time practising on a variety of roads and in different driving conditions before booking a test.