Drivers are being urged to respond to a DVSA consultation before the end of the day as the organisation looks to introduce major changes to popular driving systems.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) launched a call for evidence in December to look at potentially making changes to the book and managing of car driving tests.
The DVSA said it would review and improve the driving test booking system to make sure learner drivers are not left waiting months for a slot.
It said that the main reason for the call for evidence was to hear the opinions of drivers on how Government policies or processes impact them.
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Drivers are being urged to take part in the call for evidence before it ends tonight
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The DVSA aims to improve the customer experience, formalise the rules for online booking services and futureproof the services for motorists.
A handful of changes have been made in recent years to the booking system, including allowing tests to be moved from one location or date to another for the same learner up to six times.
Other new features include allowing driving test appointments to be swapped between learner drivers and allowing instructors to book, manage, and swap tests on behalf of their pupils.
Despite this, there have been fears that scammers could be using the desperation of learner drivers against them by claiming to book tests on behalf of drivers.
These can often cost more than the standard price of booking a driving test, and in some instances, can lead to criminals stealing money from motorists.
The call for evidence will close on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11.59pm, with the Department for Transport expected to provide a response shortly after.
The DVSA said it would analyse the evidence and develop proposals to improve the rules, run a public consultation and introduce the improved rules.
The call for evidence comes alongside the DVSA's proposals to reduce test waiting times for learners, who have been dealing with a massive backlog since the pandemic in 2020.
As part of the changes, the DVSA announced that it would be hiring and training 450 examiners across Great Britain, with tests expected to start in the coming months.
It also pledged to launch a separate consultation on new proposals to increase the amount of time people have to wait to book another test.
If these plans are given the green light, motorists may have to wait longer to book another test if they make multiple dangerous faults during their test, abuse their driving examiner and fail to attend their test without informing the DVSA.
Minster for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood said measures needed to be introduced to help prevent learners from being ripped off at the start of their driving experience.
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Some learner drivers have reported facing delays of up to six months to get a test
PAShe added: "No one should have to wait six months when they’re ready to pass, travel to the other side of the country to take a driving test or be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can’t afford to wait.
"The scale of the backlog we have inherited is huge, but today’s measures are a crucial step to tackle the long driving test wait times, protect learner drivers from being exploited, and support more people to hit the road."
