If you are a learner driver or a driveJohnson’s instructor using Bletchley Driving Test Centre, there are some important changes coming to the test schedule. Additional test programmes are being introduced to help increase availability and reduce waiting times, with further changes planned for September. With this in mind, we have put together a clear summary of the new Bletchley driving test times and what instructors and learners need to know.
What are the current Bletchley driving test times?
Up to 30th August 2026, Bletchley Driving Test Centre will continue to operate one main programme of test appointments, alongside additional overtime tests.
- Current programme: 8:10, 9:07, 10:14, 11:11, 12:38, 13:35 and 14:32.
- Overtime tests: 7:13 and 15:39.
From 31st August 2026, an additional programme will be introduced. This means two sets of test appointments will operate, with the second programme running 20 minutes later than the first.
- Programme 1: 8:10, 9:07, 10:14, 11:11, 12:38, 13:35 and 14:32.
- Programme 2: 8:30, 9:27, 10:34, 11:31, 12:58, 13:55 and 14:52.
- Overtime tests: 7:13, 7:33, 15:39 and 15:59.
These additional appointments are expected to increase the number of driving tests that can be carried out at Bletchley each day.
Further changes from 11th January 2027
From 11th January 2027, the morning test times will move 10 minutes earlier and the afternoon pattern will also change.
Programme 1:
- 8:00
- 8:57
- 10:04
- 11:01
- 11:58
- 13:25
- 14:22
Programme 1 overtime tests: 7:03 and 15:19.
Programme 2:
- 8:20
- 9:17
- 10:24
- 11:21
- 12:18
- 13:45
- 14:42
Programme 2 overtime tests: 7:23 and 15:39.
These changes have been introduced because the DVSA says additional driving examiners have been recruited to help increase test availability and reduce waiting times.
What will the changes mean at Bletchley Test Centre?
Each programme will have a maximum of seven examiners. This means the car park is likely to become considerably busier, particularly during the short changeover period between driving tests.
The driving test centre manager has asked instructors to drive into the car park rather than allowing learners to drive in. This should help ensure that all seven vehicles can be parked within the five-minute changeover period and reduce the risk of congestion affecting the next group of learners arriving for their tests.
Any delays entering or leaving the test centre could create additional congestion, so instructors and learners are being encouraged to arrive at the correct time and follow the test centre guidance.
Advice for driveJohnson’s instructors using Bletchley Test Centre
We recommend arriving near the test centre approximately 10–15 minutes before your learner’s scheduled test time.
Drive to the bottom of Wilton Avenue and ask your learner to perform a turn in the road. You can then pull up in a safe and legal place outside the test centre, while making sure you are not too close to the entrance.
Use the remaining time to go through the ‘show me, tell me’ questions with your pupil, or ask whether they would prefer to spend five minutes outside the car getting some fresh air before their test.
Around 7–8 minutes before the scheduled test time, the instructor should take over the driving and begin making their way towards the test centre. The aim should be to enter the car park approximately five minutes before the test begins.
This should give your pupil enough time to park, prepare themselves and use the toilet if necessary before meeting their examiner.
General rules at Bletchley Driving Test Centre
- Do not drive into the test centre unless you have a pupil attending their driving test.
- If you want to show your learner how to navigate the narrow road into the test centre or use the blind-spot mirror on the corner, do this on foot during a lesson before their test rather than driving into the centre unnecessarily.
- Do not knock on the driving examiners’ door unless you are late for a test.
- On test day, reverse your vehicle into the parking bay so your learner is ready to drive forwards when their test begins.
- Do not interrupt the examiner while they are debriefing your learner at the end of the test.
- If your pupil has asked you to listen to the debrief, return to the car in plenty of time. If the debrief has already started, stand patiently beside your vehicle where the examiner can see you. They may invite you to join if appropriate.
- If you have questions for the examiner, particularly about the test result, wait until the examiner has left the vehicle and speak to them away from your learner.
What to take away from the Bletchley test schedule changes
The introduction of additional examiners and a second test programme is positive news for learners hoping to secure a practical driving test at Bletchley. However, the increased number of tests also means the centre and surrounding area are likely to become much busier.
Planning your arrival carefully and following the guidance from the test centre will help everything run as smoothly as possible.
If you are learning to drive with driveJohnson’s, your instructor will help make sure you are prepared for test day, understand what to expect when you arrive and have the skills and confidence needed to give yourself the best possible chance of passing.
