Over the last few weeks my phone has been constantly ringing it is probably the most busiest ive been since I started in business in 2009.
I have also noticed the number of tests available on the DVSA trainer booking system are very limited.
I’m just wondering if other trainers are experiencing the same.
Paul 
Been like this for the last couple of years. We now have 4 folks in the office that 1 person used to run till 3 years ago!
We don’t suffer quite as much with tests as we have our own test centre with a pre-allocation each week.
Pete 
Peter Smythe:
We don’t suffer quite as much with tests as we have our own test centre with a pre-allocation each week.Pete
I suppose they can only allocate a certain amount so having your own test Centre is only the same as a DVSA one.
Paul
Yes, waiting times for tests seem to be a hefty factor in the process of getting qualified atm.
My words are not from a trainer’s pov of course, but I am currently in the middle of ‘negotiating’ when I can get my C+E and periodic CPC done (in the shortest amount of time).
Long and short is, can’t get a test up at Gosforth until early June, so my training will start in that first week with the same guys I used for my Cat. C.
Good news is that I will be able to knock off the CPC ‘week of fun’ in the meantime - and so, very scarily, will be ready to be let loose on the open roads once I pass that C+E practical 
In reality, however, I think things have turned out quite reasonable and when I look back in a few months time will wonder what all the fuss was about. Just when you are chomping at the bit at the time, everything seems to take an eternity 
Still, if you remember my trainer ‘Terry’, from the ‘Cat. C Chronicles’, he said things nowadays aren’t that bad really as a few years back people were having to wait more like 2 months than 1 for a test.
Jon
having your own test Centre is only the same as a DVSA one.
Not really. We have a guaranteed minimum before we ask for any more. Whereas, under the trainer booking system, you ask for what you want and you may or may not get them.
But, yes, there have been times when we’ve requested more tests and struggled. There is only so much manpower available.
Pete
Peter Smythe:
There is only so much manpower available.
Pete
That was my point Pete. Where the DVSA Centres may have an advantage is when pre booked tests are released back into the system from other training schools this can change daily so can be beneficial for picking up at short notice especially for retests.
Paul
Fair point. By the same token, when there’s a free programme at the local centre we can get the examiner for the day. But obviously it’s more likely that you’ll get one cancellation rather than 4 for the day. But stranger things have happened!
Pete
Hi Paul
I know it’s expensive but have you considered buying up to your maximum quota on the opening week ie 10 weeks ahead. Normally only the Thursday/Friday tests get bought on the day leaving options open the day after.
We took this route a few years ago but it seems expensive at first getting 10 weeks ahead with the tests.
The secret is instead of ever selling an unwanted test back, to offer it to other trainers then name their candidate and vehicle. That way your quota stays up.
The secret is instead of ever selling an unwanted test back, to offer it to other trainers then name their candidate and vehicle. That way your quota stays up.
True. But if DVSA find out, you’re in breach of your trainer booking contract. I know of a trainer in Sheffield who wishes he hadn’t done that!
Pete
I know that Pete but it very rarely happens anyway. It’s those odd occasions when a test is beyond the sell back day but still within the naming limit.
It’s not a tactic we often use but the alternative of losing a test fee is not good
Totally agree; I wasn’t suggesting it was common practice on your part.
Pete