When and Why You Might Need to Complain
Taking a driving test can be stressful, and while most experiences go smoothly, there may be instances where you feel the need to raise a complaint. Whether it's about the test conditions, examiner conduct, or administrative issues, understanding your rights and the complaint process can help you take the right steps.
Common Reasons for Complaints
- Examiner Conduct – If you believe the examiner was unfair, rude, or did not follow proper DVSA procedures.
- Test Conditions – If external factors, such as unsafe road conditions, disruptions, or test centre facilities, affected your performance.
- Administrative Errors – If your booking details were incorrect, you were turned away unfairly, or your test was cancelled without sufficient notice.
- Discrimination or Unfair Treatment – If you feel you were treated unfairly based on personal factors unrelated to your driving ability.
How to File a Complaint
If you have an issue with your driving test experience, follow these steps to ensure your complaint is heard:
1. Speak to the Test Centre Staff
- If your issue is minor, such as a scheduling problem or unclear instructions, the test centre staff may be able to resolve it on the spot.
2. Submit a Formal Complaint to the DVSA
- The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) handles all official complaints about driving tests.
- You can file a complaint through their website by providing details of your test, the issue you faced, and any supporting evidence.
- Complaints should be submitted as soon as possible after the test.
3. Request a Test Review
- If you believe your test result was unfair due to examiner conduct or test conditions, you can request an independent review by the DVSA.
- Keep in mind that test results are rarely overturned unless there is clear evidence of misconduct or procedural errors.
What Happens After You File a Complaint?
Once your complaint is submitted, the DVSA will investigate and may:
- Contact you for further details.
- Review any examiner reports or test centre records.
- Take action if necessary, which may include re-training examiners or addressing test centre issues.
Final Tips for Complaints
- Be Clear and Professional – Stick to the facts and provide as much detail as possible.
- Include Evidence – If you have witnesses, photos, or recordings (where legally permitted), include them in your complaint.
- Be Patient – Investigations can take time, so allow the DVSA to process your complaint properly.
Need Help Booking a New Test?
If your complaint resulted in a cancellation or you need to rebook, FindInstruct can help you secure an earlier test date with ease.
Find the next available test date here: https://www.findinstruct.org/drivingtestform
