Motorvation School of Motoring

19/06/2026

🚨 CAN’T BOOK YOUR DRIVING TEST? SEEING THIS MESSAGE? 🚨

If you try to book a driving test and get the message:

“You can’t book a test for this category. Please choose another type of test or contact the DVSA on 0300 200 1122

Don’t panic.
In many cases, this happens because your licence number or booking access has been restricted and the DVSA needs to verify your details before allowing you to continue.

This can sometimes happen where third party booking services, cancellation apps, bots or unverified booking websites have been used.

The DVSA has been taking action against misuse of the booking system and thousands of accounts have been affected.

☎️ The solution is usually straightforward.

Call the DVSA on 0300 200 1122

They will normally ask a few security questions to confirm your identity and can explain why the restriction has been applied.
If appropriate, they can help restore access and advise you on booking your test.

A good reminder for all learners:

✔ Book through the official GOV.UK website whenever possible

✔ Be cautious about sharing your driving licence details with third party booking companies

✔ If something doesn’t look right, contact the DVSA directly before paying anyone money

Have you had this message appear when trying to book a test?
It may help other learners if you share your experience below.

Good luck 🤞

Please tag and share 🫶🏾

✍️ Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation School of Motoring

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

We spend so much time talking about driving tests that we sometimes forget how many victories happen long before the examiner ever gets involved.

For some learners, success is simply turning up. They have spent days worrying, imagining everything that could go wrong, and yet they still get in the car and give it a go.

For others, it is driving through a busy area they would have avoided a few weeks earlier. It might not look impressive to anyone else, but they know how much courage it took.

Sometimes the biggest progress is not a new manoeuvre or mastering a roundabout. It is a quieter change. Less panic. Less self doubt. Fewer thoughts racing through their head. More trust in themselves.

I see learners who are disappointed because they focus only on what they cannot do yet. Meanwhile, they have forgotten how far they have already come.

The truth is that confidence is rarely built in giant leaps. It grows through ordinary moments that gradually stop feeling difficult.

One lesson you stall three times. A few weeks later you cannot remember the last time it happened.

One lesson every junction feels overwhelming. A few weeks later you are dealing with them without even thinking about it.

That is progress.
Not every achievement comes with a pass certificate.
Some of the most important ones happen quietly, one lesson at a time.

Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation School of Motoring

18/06/2026

What is the most useful driving advice anyone ever gave you?

Not the Highway Code answer.

The piece of advice that has stayed with you for years. The one you still hear in your head every time you get behind the wheel.

Sometimes it is just a short sentence that completely changes the way you think about driving, not a rule, or technique technique.
Just a different way of looking at the road.

For eg “Look where you want to go, not where you are afraid of going.”
It sounds simple, but it applies to so much. Learners stare at the kerb and drift towards it.
Drivers focus on the pothole they are trying to avoid and somehow hit it.
Your eyes lead your attention, and your attention often leads the car.

Comment below ⬇️

✍️ Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation School of Motoring

18/06/2026

I seem to be getting a lot of messages lately asking what a driving instructor should charge on test day.

The simple answer is this: ask your instructor right at the beginning of your learning journey, not when your test is already booked and there is little you can do about it.

Most instructors charge their normal hourly rate for the time involved. That is generally considered fair and transparent.

Remember, the DVSA test fee only covers the examiner and the test itself. It does not cover the instructor’s time, vehicle, fuel, insurance, travel to and from the test centre, or the lesson before the test.

Many learners are surprised to discover that they need to pay their instructor for the time of the test assuming the DVSA fee includes the instructors time .

I have heard of learners being charged £350 purely for the use of the car on test day. I have also spoken to learners who arrived at test standard without ever discussing test day costs and were shocked by the bill.

Most misunderstandings can be avoided with a simple conversation at the start.

Before committing to lessons with any instructor, ask:

🚗 What is your hourly rate?
🚗 What is your test day policy?
🚗 Do you charge your normal rate or a separate test fee?
🚗 Is there a minimum number of hours required on test day?

Clear communication avoids disappointment for everyone.

Driving instructors deserve to be paid for their time and expertise.
Learners deserve to know exactly what they are agreeing to from day one.

Share your thoughts and experiences

✍️ Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation School of Motoring

18/06/2026

Many drivers know that the Highway Code recommends leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph, and even more space at higher speeds.
( A requested post )

What many people do not realise is that this does not suddenly stop applying just because there is a painted cycle lane on the road.
A painted line is not a protective barrier.
A cyclist still needs space.

They may need to avoid potholes, drains, debris, opening vehicle doors, pedestrians stepping into the lane, or unexpected hazards that appear in front of them.

Far too many cyclists tell me that their closest passes happen when they are actually using the cycle lane provided for them.
It is almost as if some drivers see the painted line and assume it gives them permission to squeeze past.

The Highway Code is very clear. If you cannot give a cyclist enough room, wait. Be patient. Overtake when it is safe to do so.

This is not about cyclists versus drivers.
Many cyclists are drivers.
Many drivers are cyclists.

The road does not belong to one group or another. We all share it.
Whether you are behind a steering wheel, on two wheels, on horseback, or simply crossing the road, everybody deserves to get home safely.

A few seconds of patience costs nothing.
A close pass can cost everything.

If you cycle regularly, what is the biggest misconception drivers have about sharing the road with cyclists?

✍️ Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation School of Motoring

18/06/2026

🚧 DRIVERS USING THE M48 SEVERN BRIDGE THIS SUMMER TAKE NOTE

If you regularly use the M48 Severn Bridge between South Wales and England, you may need to allow extra time for your journeys over the coming months.

National Highways has announced a major resurfacing trial which will run from 1 August until 27 September.

The work is being carried out to test a new surfacing method ahead of a larger resurfacing project planned for the future.

During the works, drivers can expect:

⚠️ A temporary contraflow system

⚠️ A reduced 30mph speed limit

⚠️ Average speed cameras

⚠️ Overnight closures

⚠️ Some weekend closures

⚠️ Diversions via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge

Anyone who uses this route for work, holidays, family visits or commuting should check their journey before travelling and allow extra time, particularly during busy periods.

Roadworks are frustrating, but resurfacing and maintenance are essential to keep our bridges safe and serviceable for the future.

If you use the M48 regularly, how much do you think this will affect your journey?

Sheena Ahmed
Motorvation School of Motoring