DRIVING instructors in and around Northwich say changes to the driving test booking system could threaten road safety.
The Northwich and District Driving Instructors Association (NADDIA) has raised concerns about the DVSA’s 2026 booking reforms.
While supporting measures to block bots and resellers, the association believes some of the changes could have unintended consequences.
Jon Hoyle, a committee member at NADDIA, said: "On one hand, we hope these changes mean local students have a fairer shot at Northwich slots without competing against national slot-hoggers.
"However, there is a flip side. By blocking instructors from managing tests, the DVSA is removing a professional gatekeeper."
He explained that instructors often swapped test bookings to ensure only those who were fully prepared took their test.
Mr Hoyle said: "Previously, if a student wasn't ready for an April test, we could swap it with a ready student who had a June booking.
"This ensured only test-ready candidates went to the centre.
"Without this flexibility, we anticipate an increase in 'private runners' - unprepared students 'having a go' simply because they can’t swap their slot."
Coming in from March 31, the number of booking changes a learner is allowed to make will be reduced from six to just two.
The new rules will also mean, as of May 12, only the learner can manage their booking - excluding instructors and third-party apps.
And, as of June 9, learners will only be able to move bookings at the Northwich test centre to either Warrington, Widnes, or Crewe.
While the intention is to prioritise learner access, instructors argue it undermines their professional input.
Simon Dorset, another NADDIA committee member, criticised the changes for failing to tackle the underlying problem.
He said: "The bottom line is that the DVSA needs more examiners.
"But with a starting salary around £28,000, the package isn't attracting enough staff.
"Furthermore, the test fee has been frozen at £62 since 2009.
"We need a system that is properly funded and professionally managed."
The National Association's Strategic Partnership (NASP) has also opposed the reforms, arguing they place public demand above professional judgement.
NADDIA said the DVSA should focus on hiring more examiners and updating the current test fee structure, which they believe would address the current six-month backlog more effectively than changes to the booking website.
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