Learner drivers in East London are facing major difficulties in securing a practical driving test. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been unable to significantly reduce waiting times, leaving many learners frustrated and searching for weeks without success. Here’s what’s causing the issue:
A Shortage of Driving Test Examiners
The DVSA is struggling with an ongoing examiner shortage. Despite recruitment efforts, they are losing more examiners than they are hiring. According to a Freedom of Information request, the number of practical driving test examiners dropped from 1,738 at the start of 2023 to just 1,650 by January 2024 – an overall loss of 88 examiners in just one year.
Unprecedented Demand for Tests
The COVID-19 pandemic created a backlog of learners waiting to take their driving tests, and demand remains high. Despite DVSA efforts, waiting times have barely improved, with only a 0.3% reduction in delays between 2023 and 2024.
The Impact of Test Booking Bots
Making matters worse is the rise of automated apps and bots that instantly grab test slots as they become available. These tools, used by third parties, resell slots at inflated prices – sometimes charging over £250 on top of the standard £62 test fee. Some of these services are even scams, offering non-existent slots.
We strongly advise against using these services. They not only take advantage of learners but also make it harder for genuine candidates to book tests. Instead, book directly through the DVSA at Book your driving test – GOV.UK. Alternatively, let us help you secure a test as part of one of our intensive driving courses.
How We’re Helping Learners in East London
At A Pass 4 U, we understand the frustration of waiting months for a test date. Our team works hard to secure practical driving tests for learners in East London as quickly as possible. While we face the same challenges as everyone else, our dedicated approach helps match learners with available test slots faster.
We believe in full transparency – you don’t pay anything until your driving course is confirmed. Here’s how our process works:
Our Simple Process
🔹 Initial Contact
We’ll discuss your requirements, including theory test completion, and collect all necessary details.
🔹 Searching for a Test
Our team searches extensively for an available practical driving test in East London. We also ensure that a qualified instructor is available for lessons leading up to your test.
🔹 Confirmation & Payment
Once we’ve secured your test and matched you with an instructor, we’ll contact you to finalise the details. A 25% deposit is required to secure the course, unless it starts within two weeks, in which case full payment is requested. Payments are processed securely online or over the phone, with a receipt provided.
🔹 Course Confirmation
You’ll receive written confirmation, and your instructor will contact you within 48 hours to schedule your lessons.
🔹 Course Structure
Our intensive courses are designed for efficiency, with up to 5 hours of training per day and a short break in between. The final hour of the last day is reserved for your DVSA practical driving test.
If you’re based in East London, knowing the local roads can be an advantage. The main DVSA test centres in the area include:
📍 Barking Driving Test Centre
84 Tanner Street, Barking, IG11 8QF
📍 Goodmayes Driving Test Centre
98 Goodmayes Road, Ilford, IG3 9UZ
📍 Wanstead Driving Test Centre
2 Devon House, Hermon Hill, London, E11 2AW
If test slots in East London are unavailable, we may also be able to secure tests at nearby centres.
For more information about our intensive driving courses in East London, visit: https://www.apass4u.co.uk/intensive-driving-courses/east-london/