Driving test black market
Companies are using computer programs, known as bots, to quickly snatch up available slots for government driving tests. They then sell these slots at much higher prices, taking advantage of the high demand.
Driving instructors are urging for a limit on how much profit can be made from reselling these tests. They believe that this practice unfairly hurts low-income individuals who really need their driving licenses.
Why driving tests are so hard to book
Every year, the DVSA conducts over 1.7 million driving tests in the UK. However, the backlog caused by COVID-19, higher demand, strikes, and reduced trust in the system have led to longer waiting times.
Bots are snapping up these slots in what officials are calling a black market. To book a test, you need a provisional license number and the candidate’s name, which can be changed later when reselling the slot at a profit. Some brokers are misusing business accounts meant for instructors to reserve multiple slots for their students.
It has also been exposed that there are active group chats where a select few corrupt driving instructors can sell companies their pupils’ license details so they can book test slots and sell them for increased prices. In exchange, these instructors are being paid by the companies for the details they give.
How much money is being made from this
Whilst there is not an exact figure on how many tests are being booked through these third-party companies, the fact that a large percentage of the test slots are being taken by these companies indicates the high volume of sales. A driving test booked through the official government website costs £62. In comparison, some of the third-party companies are selling driving tests up to £500. For example, If a company can take 50 test slots around the country, and sell them slots for anywhere between £300-500, the company can make anywhere between £15000 – £25000.
Whilst there is no doubt that there are long wait times for tests, the DVSA is strongly advising people to only book their tests officially through the GOV website. As long as people carry on paying companies for tests and cancellations then the driving test booking program will continue to be flawed.
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