What’s Happening and How Thames Driving School Can Help?

The UK has faced significant delays and backlogs in driving test appointments, leaving many learners frustrated and uncertain about when they can finally take their practical driving test. The combination of pandemic-related shutdowns, increased demand, and limited test centre capacity has led to long waiting times, with some learners waiting months for an available slot.
What’s Causing the Driving Test Backlog?Learner drivers across the UK have been impacted by:

• Pandemic Disruptions: COVID-19 lockdowns forced test centres to close for extended periods, creating a backlog of cancelled and postponed tests.
• Increased Demand: As restrictions eased, a surge in new learners and those rescheduling missed tests overwhelmed the system.
• Limited Examiner Availability: There are fewer examiners available, which slows down the process of clearing the backlog.

These factors mean that even after learners complete their lessons and feel ready, they may face lengthy waits before they can book or take their practical test.

www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measure-to-cut-driving-test-waiting-times

How Thames Driving School Can Minimise Your Waiting Time?

Thames Driving School stands out by offering a proactive approach to navigating these delays. Here’s how they help learners beat the backlog:

• Quick Assessment of Your Learning Needs: Right from the start, Thames Driving School’s experienced instructors assess your current driving level and learning speed. This allows them to create a tailored lesson plan that gets you test-ready efficiently.
• Early Test Booking: Unlike many schools that wait until you’re nearly ready, Thames Driving School helps you book your driving test slot soon after you begin lessons. This strategic move ensures that, by the time you’re ready to pass, your test date is already secured-minimising or even eliminating waiting time.
• Expert Instructors: Their team of highly-rated instructors is known for their professionalism, patience, and ability to help learners build confidence quickly. Thames Driving School’s Google reviews praise their instructors for making the learning process smooth and enjoyable, reflected in their excellent ratings.
• Flexible Lesson Locations: Thames Driving School covers a wide range of areas across London and Surrey, including:
  • Putney
  • Wandsworth
  • Richmond
  • Surbiton
  • Barnes
  • Hammersmith
  • Fulham

​And other surrounding areas
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​Learners consistently highlight the school’s ability to secure test slots quickly and the supportive nature of their instructors. Thames Driving School’s Google reviews showcase glowing testimonials about their efficiency, reliability, and high pass rates.
“Fantastic instructors who really care about getting you test-ready-and they helped me book my test early so I didn’t have to wait months!”

Recent Thames Driving School student

Thames Driving School, covering the key driving test changes in 2025, driving instructor etiquette, test bookings, and Highway Code updates.

Driving Test and Highway Code Updates for 2025: What Kingston Learners Need to Know

Welcome back to the Thames Driving School blog! As we move further into 2025, it's crucial for all learner drivers in Kingston upon Thames and surrounding areas (Berrylands, Canbury, Chessington, Coombe, Kingston Vale, Malden Rushett, and Motspur Park) to stay updated on the latest changes to driving tests, the Highway Code, and best practices for interacting with your driving instructor.

Let's dive in!

Driving Test Changes in 2025
While there haven't been sweeping overhauls, a few important tweaks have been implemented to ensure new drivers are well-prepared for modern road conditions:

• Focus on Independent Driving: The independent driving portion of the test now constitutes a larger segment. This assesses your ability to make safe decisions on your own, following directions from a sat nav or road signs.
• Manoeuvres: Emphasis is being placed on ensuring you can perform these safely and smoothly, with examiners looking for confident control and excellent observation.

Driving Instructor Etiquette: Building a Positive Learning EnvironmentYour relationship with your driving instructor is key to your success. Here’s how to ensure a positive and productive learning environment:

• Respect Their Time: Arrive on time for your lessons, and if you need to cancel, provide as much notice as possible (ideally 24-48 hours).
• Be Prepared: Come to each lesson ready to learn, having practiced what was covered in the previous session.
• Communicate Openly: Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about something. Your instructor is there to guide you. Also, voice any concerns you may have.
• Listen to Feedback: Your instructor is a professional, and their feedback is invaluable. Take it constructively and use it to improve.
• Be Respectful: Treat your instructor with courtesy and respect at all times.

Test Bookings: Planning for Success

• Book in Advance: Demand for driving tests can be high, so book your test well in advance to secure a convenient date and time.
• Check Availability Regularly: Keep an eye on the DVSA website for cancellations, which can open up earlier test slots.
• Ensure You're Ready: Don't rush to book your driving test until you and your instructor are confident you're at the required standard. Taking the test before you're ready can be costly and disheartening.

Highway Code Updates: Keeping You Safe and Informed
The Highway Code is regularly updated to reflect changes in road use and technology. Some key updates include:

• Hierarchy of Road Users: The code now provides more protection for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
• Mobile Phone Usage: Stricter rules are in place regarding mobile phone use while driving, even when stationary.
• Guidance on Emerging Technologies: The code now includes guidance on using driver-assistance systems safely.

Thames Driving School: Your Partner in Safe Driving
At Thames Driving School, we're committed to providing the highest quality driving lessons in Kingston upon Thames. Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors stay up-to-date with all the latest changes to driving tests and the Highway Code, ensuring you receive the best possible training.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking for refresher lessons, we have a driving course to suit your needs. We offer:

• Standard Driving Lessons: Tailored to your individual learning style and pace.
• Automatic Driving Lessons: For those who prefer automatic vehicles.
• Pass Plus Driving Course: To enhance your skills after passing your test.
• Refresher Driving Lessons: To boost your confidence.
• Motorway Driving Lessons: To learn how to drive safely on motorways.

Ready to get started? Contact Us

• Call us today on 0208 626 7979 to discuss your requirements.
• Check out our website for more information and to book your lessons: https://www.thamesdrivingschools.co.uk/

Let Thames Driving School help you become a safe, confident, and responsible driver!

What Thames Driving School Students Need to Know
At Thames Driving School, we're committed to keeping our students informed about the latest changes in driving instruction. The new terms and conditions for driving instructors, which came into effect on January 6, 2025, bring several important changes that will benefit our learners.

Enhanced Protection for Learners
The stricter regulations are designed to safeguard learner drivers from exploitation. At Thames Driving School, we've always prioritized our students' interests, and these new rules align perfectly with our ethos.

Fairer Driving Test Booking System
Our students can now expect an easier process when booking their driving tests directly. The new rules aim to reduce the number of tests booked by instructors for students they're not actually teaching, ensuring more available slots for genuine learners.

Shorter Driving Test Waiting Times
By curbing misuse of the booking system, these changes are expected to contribute to reduced waiting times for driving tests. This is part of the DVSA's broader strategy to address the backlog, with a target to bring average waiting times down to 7 weeks by December 2025.

Ensuring Driving Test Readiness
At Thames Driving School, we've always ensured our students are fully prepared before booking their tests. The new rules now explicitly prohibit instructors from booking tests for learners they're not teaching, aligning with our existing practices.

Increased Transparency
The new regulations clarify that learners should book their own tests directly with the DVSA if not doing so through their instructor. At Thames Driving School, we're happy to guide our students through this process, ensuring they understand every step.

Our Commitment to You
While these changes may lead some schools to implement stricter cancellation policies, at Thames Driving School, we remain committed to flexibility and understanding. We'll continue to work with our students to ensure efficient use of lesson time while accommodating individual needs.

These changes are part of the DVSA's efforts to create a fairer and more efficient driving test system. At Thames Driving School, we fully support these initiatives and are here to help our students navigate these changes.

For more information or to book your lessons with Thames Driving School
Visit our website at https://www.thamesdrivingschools.co.uk/ or call us on 0208 626 7979. Let us guide you towards becoming a safe and confident driver in Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding areas.
Citations:

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvsa-sets-out-plan-to-reduce-driving-test-waiting-times

The driving test wait time will be increased from the current 10 working days to 28 working days before being able to book a new driving test after failure.

The UK driving test is a challenging assessment that determines whether you are competent enough to operate a vehicle on public roads. It consists of two parts: theory and practical. Although it is designed to test your driving abilities and knowledge of the Highway Code, many people fail their driving tests due to a variety of reasons.


One significant reason people fail their UK driving tests is inadequate preparation. Whether you are facing the theory or practical test, you need to spend enough time preparing to understand the rules and regulations of driving. Most individuals underestimate the complexity of the theory test or do not revise the questions and answers adequately. To prevent such an incidence, it is crucial to go through the road signs and markings and practice on online platforms or revision materials before taking the actual test.

Another reason for failing your UK driving test is inappropriate road positioning. This refers to a situation where a driver does not place the vehicle in the correct position or maintain the appropriate clearance from other road users. This error can lead to accidents and endanger other road users. To avoid this, it is vital to observe the appropriate speed limits, assess the road conditions, adhere to traffic signals and signs, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Another common mistake that leads to failing the UK driving test is poor observation skills. Drivers need to have excellent observation skills to anticipate any potential dangers from other road users, pedestrians, or obstacles. Lack of proper focus can lead to failing to monitor road conditions, missing road signs and signals, and even running a red light. Therefore, it is essential to be attentive and avoid distractions such as phones and conversations with passengers.

Lastly, poor maneuvering skills can also lead to failing the UK driving test. The practical exam involves testing manoeuvres such as reversing, parallel parking, and turning in the road. Failure to execute these manoeuvres accurately and with confidence can result in failing the test. To pass the practical exam, you need to practice these manoeuvres several times and get feedback from your instructor or experienced drivers.
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In conclusion, failing your UK driving test is not an enjoyable experience. It is essential to prepare adequately, maintain the appropriate road positioning, have excellent observation skills, and perfect your manoeuvring techniques to pass the exams. Adequate preparations will ensure that you pass the exams and become a competent and safe driver on public roads.

Congratulations to Max Klein from Richmond for passing his driving test at Tolworth Driving Test Centre.

Thames Driving Schools is proud to have new but very experienced driving instructors available to deliver driving lessons in Richmond in the London Borough of Richmond and Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.

Our driving instructors are now operating in their driving lessons in Twickenham, Hampton and Whitton in the London borough or Richmond upon Thames.

So if you are looking for expert driving instructors in Kingston Upon Thames give us a call today.

Or alternatively if you are looking for a range of driving courses in Tolworth please call 0208 626 7979 to find out more.

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS
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Thames Driving Schools in proud to be now operating it's exceptional driving lessons and courses in three new areas in the London Borough of Richmond and Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.

Our driving instructors are now operating in their driving lessons in Teddington, Hampton and Whitton in the London brough or Richmond upon Thames.

So if you are looking for expert driving instructors in Hampton Court, Hampton Wick and Hampton Hill give us a call today.

Or alternatively if you are looking for a range of driving courses in Whitton please follow the link to find out more.

Congratulations to Natalie from kew for passing her driving test with Thames Driving School. The No.1 driving school in south west London.

Get discounts on your Driving Lessons in Kingston upon Thames. We offer block booking discounts, call to find out more.

See our Driving Lesson Prices

Thames Driving school is now proud to be operating it's first class driving lessons in St Albans in Hertfordshire additionally covering the areas of Bedmond, Bricket Wood, Frogmore, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley, London Colney, Napsbury, Oakfields Roestock and Sandridge with our great driving lessons and instructors.

Beginner, Intensive Crash, Advanced, Refresher, Motorway and Pass Plus Driving Courses at our driving schools in and around the following areas of Hounslow, Richmond, Hammersmith, Kingston, Putney, Isleworth, Surbiton, Ham, Petersham, Mortlake, Barnes, Merton in West London. Surrey and South West London. In addition we cover the following areas of:

• Acton
• Balham
• Barnes
• Battersea
• Chiswick
• Clapham
• Ealing
• Fulham
• Ham
• Hammersmith
• Hampton
• Hounslow
• Isleworth
• Kew
• Kingston
• Petersham
• Putney
• Richmond
• Surbiton
• Shepherds Bush
• Southfields
• Tolworth
• Twickenham
• Wandsworth
• Wimbledon
• West London
• and Surrey