With test wait times being higher than most learners could have anticipated, it’s not surprising to know that many are turning to unofficial websites and apps with the hopes of finding an earlier slot. These slots – Also known as cancellation appointments – are not approved by the DVSA. To book your test through the official channels, then GOV.UK is the only official service for booking your test.
The DVSA have released guidance with the aim of advising learners on the best way to stay safe when they are booking their driving test through unofficial sources, while also advising them on the dangers of doing it unofficially.
An important danger involved with booking the test through a cancellation app or website, is that you may not receive emails from the DVSA. This may just be reminders or it could be something as important as the DVSA informing you of a change to the date/time of your test.
The DVSA had also reviewed the privacy notices of multiple cancellation finders and apps, to find that none of them were in line with the data protection law. These included such vital information as:
– Not informing you who has your data or the contact details of who has them
– Not explaining the rights you have for your data (i.e., accessing, rectifying or deleting)
– Not detailing the legal basis for pressing your data
– Not stating how long they would have your personal data for
To prevent these dangers, the DVSA have advised the following to avoid the risks involved for using unofficial websites/apps:
– Make sure you are ready for an early test
– See how the service uses your data
– Look into the cost of the service’s cost
To complain about one of the websites or apps, you can contact:
– The Information Commissioner’s Office: In regards to privacy notices or your personal data
– The Advertising Standards Authority: If the website/app misleads you with their claims
