Dodgy sites” which are reselling driving tests to learner drivers for a profit are “unacceptable”, according to the UK’s transport secretary. Many learner drivers are fed up with waiting times, so they are booking practical tests through brokers who block-book and re-sell the tests for hundreds of pounds.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said tackling the test backlog was a “key priority” for the Labour government.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said it was encouraging learners only to book tests through the official government website. Re-selling a test isn’t illegal but the DVSA said it “exploits” learners. The latest figures show the average wait time to book a test across England, Scotland and Wales is four-and-a-half-months.
Delays are down to an increase in demand and learners booking tests before they are ready to pass, according to the DVSA.
Through the official DVSA website, a driving test costs £62. Many brokers use an automated software to block-book driving test slots on the government website and then sell them on. The companies use ‘bots’ which input data more quickly than a human can, so they’re able to secure test dates before those without the software.
Source: BBC
In other news – Tom Cruise concludes the Olympics 2024 by jumping off the Paris Stadium roof
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise has made a dramatic appearance at Sunday night’s Paris 2024 closing ceremony, abseiling off the Stade de France roof.
Spectators shrieked in delight as the Mission: Impossible star, dressed in a leather jacket and gloves, lowered himself into the stadium while his compatriot H.E.R. performed on guitar. Read more
