Premium on block tests
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• Driver training schools who want to block book test dates will have to pay a premium of £5 for every test, and pay in full for the tests at the time of booking, under new rules from the Driver Standards Agency (DSA).
The new scheme, Trainer Booking, replaces the old block booking system. It is designed to strike a balance between the industry's need for flexibility and the DSA's need to claw back the £8.7m loss caused by providing driving tests up to 1993.
Block bookings can now be made up to 10 weeks in advance, but the driver's name and vehicle details do not have to be lodged until the day before the test. There is no provision for
cancelling Trainer Booked tests so fees and premiums would be forfeited.
Individual candidates and instructors who do
not want to use the Trainer Booking system, which will come into force in mid-June, can still book tests in the normal way.
Under the DSA's proposals LGV/PCV test fees will not increase in this year's review for individual bookings. But tests booked under the Trainer Booking scheme will cost .07 for a weekday test and £85 for a Saturday test, including the premium.