Learner drivers are being warned about using copycat websites when booking their driving tests that cost more than using the official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website.

The DVSA says there are several copycat websites that look official and approved but charge up to £30 extra to book the driving test on top of the original fee. These websites often promise a free retest if the learner driver fails the first test but few learners qualify for this incentive when they read the small print.

Using the official DVSA website to book a driving test costs £25 for the theory test and £62 for the practical driving test.

Alastair Peoples, Chief Executive of the DVSA, said: ‘It is unacceptable that some of these websites try to trick learner drivers into paying an extra fee to book their driving test.

"We are working alongside other government departments to ensure that ads for misleading websites are removed. We want to make sure our customers are aware of the risks of these websites and know how to avoid them."

The Government is taking action to tackle rogue websites which masquerade as legitimate Government services, exaggerate the nature of the services they provide or deliberately underplay the services that people can get for free or at a lower cost from official sources.

Working with organisations such as the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the National Trading Standards Board (NTSB), the government is aiming to raise awareness of the issue and ensure enforcement action is taken where appropriate.