We sometimes get asked by students who have not taken and passed their theory test if we offer same week theory and driving test courses as some driving schools offer. The answer is NO, for a good reason. You can't be sure of the availability of a driving test for the same week as your course is taken
Being able to take both theory and driving tests in 5 days may sound like a great idea. But in reality do they work?
Driving schools who advertise same week theory & driving test courses will have you believe that after taking your theory test on the first, second or even third day of your course that you will be taking the driving test on the last day of your course.
What they fail to tell you is that available test slots can be 6 weeks ahead, and they gamble on cancelled driving tests becoming available at short notice.
Who offers these courses?
In the main it is Blackpool & Norwich driving schools who advertise these same week theory and driving test courses. What they are selling you the IDEA of both tests being taken in the same week. Often boastful claims are made that :-
(a) because they use an area that covers many test centres, or
(b) because they have a "special relationship" with the booking section at the DSA that they will obtain a driving test.
BUT if you press them to give a guarantee of a driving test with the course most say there's NO GUARANTEE a driving test wil be in the same week as the course.
Driving schools offering same week theory & driving test courses will not give guaranties to driving test availability & expect you to take a risk and gamble.
The Risk you take
There is always a risk you might FAIL the theory test, If you fail the theory test you will not be able to take the driving test no matter how good you drive.
Your driving test can only be booked on your theory test being passed
Do you like to gamble.
Gambling on a driving school finding a driving test for your course at very short notice is a big gamble. More often than not the first driving test available will be some time later than the week of your course which will mean you returning to take the driving test perhaps many weeks later.
If lucky and a cancelled driving test is found it will most probably be in a Town miles away from where you received your tuition. It is not uncommon to be taken 60 miles and more to a test centre in a Town you have never seen or driven in before just for a driving test to be taken.
So unless you feel like a gamble, or prepared to accept the disappointment of not taking a practical driving test with your course we advise you steer clear of same week theory and driving test courses.
It is important to read these driving schools Terms and Conditions. If the driving school fails to secure you a driving test they will point to an exclusion condition in their Terms & Condtions saying that it was your responsibility to have read these Terms & Conditions. Typical exclusions used by these driving schools are below.
1. No guarantee can be made of DSA test date availability. If in the unlikely event that a test cannot be
booked during the duration of the course, a test will be booked for the pupil at a centre of their choice.
2. No guarantee can be made of test availability, in the event that a test cannot be booked on the course,
then an alternative test will be offered at a date and time agreeable to the pupil, instructor and School.
No refunds of monies are applicable in this case.
3. In the unlikely event of a practical test not being available by the DSA The Driving School will book an appointment for you at a reasonable time period. The Driving School cannot be held responsible for the availability or cancellation of tests by the DSA.
The only sure way
1st..Think ahead, take your theory test as soon as you feel ready. Arrange for it to be taken at a centre local to you. Use this link to Book your theory test
2nd..On passing the theory test book your course, a secure driving test can now be arranged with your course.
You will receive an appointment letter from the DSA confirming your driving test is booked with details of when and where it is to be taken, before your course starts.
Final words
Your course will most probably be one of the biggest payments you will make this year, and you should rightfully be expecting a driving test with the course. If the driving test is essential to your booking the course then ask for a written guarantee that your course will include the driving test as the course final hour.
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