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Driving Test | UK Driving Test Advice
Driving Newsletter - Tips and Advice on Passing your Driving Test
28 Jul 2011

Third-party theory test bookings: What to do for best!

Following a steady increase in the number of complaints from learners who are using third-party websites to book their theory tests, the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) has announced an investigation into the commercial trading techniques used by many of the sites.

Direct Gov is the only official, free way to book either your theory or your practical driving test, but there are many alternative, unofficial sites, none of which are linked to the Direct Gov site and most of which charge astronomical administration fees in addition to the cost of the test itself.

What’s more, these sites rarely make it clear that they are unofficial, and often don’t tell you about extra charges until you’ve put in all your details, by which point you’ve often lost the will to live.

It’s these aspects of trading that the OFT is looking at, and which it currently considers ‘unfair commercial practice’.

But what if you’ve already used one of these third-party sites? Is there anything you can do? Anything to watch out for?

Well, the simple answer is: not really. Most third-party sites are not currently doing anything illegal. They’re also not scam sites – so you will actually have a booking, you’ll have just paid more for it than other people who booked through the official website, DirectGov.  If you’ve only just made your booking, you might have 7 days in which to ‘change your mind’ and cancel under The Distance Selling Regulations – thereby possibly getting a refund on your administration and test fees.

If you booked a while ago, though, don’t despair. You’ll still have your booking – these sites aren’t just stealing your money without giving you your test date – so your test can still go ahead. If you want to write a formal complaint to the website, there are many links and templates on the Direct Gov website to help you, and of course you can write to the OFT if you feel that you’ve been charged an unreasonable amount.