The Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) currently have an established process for critical workers to access priority test appointments for their employees. To utilise this service, the employee must already have a practical test booking with DVSA. The employer can then apply for an emergency service driving test on their employee’s behalf. More information on critical worker tests can be found on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/apply-emergency-driving-test
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is aware that car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this is having on learner drivers. Significant progress has already been made as part of the DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests delivered last year; they recognise that learner drivers are not seeing the immediate effect of the measures and there is more work to be done. On the 23 April, the Department of Transport Secretary of State announced further action that the DVSA will be taking to help reduce driving test waiting times. Further information on these actions and progress on the 7-point plan can be found on GOV.UK at: www.gov.uk/government/news/transport-secretary-acts-to-make-thousands-of-extra-driving-tests-available-each-month.
The DVSA is also aware of third-party services selling driving test appointments online and does not approve of such activity. Steps it has already taken are having a positive impact and have resulted in a significant drop in traffic to these services as they are successfully identified and blocked. The DVSA continues to encourage learner drivers to use only the official GOV.UK website to book and manage their driving test and published advice aimed at learner drivers to warn of the risks of using third parties to book a practical driving test. Further information can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/news/learner-drivers-warned-about-the-risks-of-driving-test-cancellation-finders.