Spitting mad at the DSA!

So I've been preparing in so many ways to get ready for my practical driving test on Jan 2.  I booked it a long time ago since my US license is expiring this month and I have to drive for my job.  I've been really psyched out about the test and anxious.  I've spent a lot of money preparing for it with lessons and such.  All of my preparations have been building toward the test this week.  I finally felt ready and prepared, and . . .

On Christmas Eve I got a letter from the DSA saying, "sorry, but due to unforeseen circumstances, your test has been cancelled."  They then told me when they rescheduled it (without contacting me).  The new test isn't until mid-February.

I am seriously spitting mad right now and want heads to roll.  I will be contacting them, but who knows if they will actually do anything.  I can't believe they would just have the nerve to move my test date back 1.5 months without any real explanation.  I suspect someone just wanted an extra day's holiday and they didn't feel it was worth the bother to add any other times to make up for their inconvenience. 

This is so unfair that I would take the time to plan in advance and then with just a little "oops, sorry" letter they can place me in the position of having to knowingly break the law or abandon my employment.  There has to be something they can do.  Does anyone have experience fighting the DSA they want to share?

I have heard of this happening. Two suggestions would be to call and see if they have a cancellation or try another testing center. I know what you are feeling. My year was up on my US driving and it was a pain not being able to drive until I was legal again. I have asked around to some US folks that I know and some of them have been driving here illegally for over 4 years. I would be too nervous to do that because if you get caught, you are in a mess of trouble. Good luck on changing your date and also on your driving test.

You can get on the website and keep trying for earlier slots. People cancel at the last minute all the time and slots will open up unexpectedly. I did this and was able to get a date I liked better than my original one. Also, the website will tell you the average wait time and a testing center near you might have a shorter list, even if it's a bit further away.

Best of luck. It's doable! 

yeah, I'd scheduled this testing centre b/c it is the fastest one to get into in the whole area.  I have checked the other ones.  I'll be checking on cancellations, but I've been forewarned by the DSA and my driving instructor that they really don't get many cancellations at all around here.

Oh dear. That sucks. 

I think the suggestions of checking for cancellations and looking at another testing centre are your only options, really.   

Very sorry to hear this. I would be hopping mad as well. Hope you can get a test date for the very near future! Do you have any other way of getting to work in the interim?

I don't blame you for being mad.  I'd be writing a strongly worded letter of complaint.  And I wouldn't be worrying too much about the 12-month deadline either.....

I don't blame you for being mad.  I'd be writing a strongly worded letter of complaint.  And I wouldn't be worrying too much about the 12-month deadline either.....

The police take the 12 month deadline very seriously. If you get stopped or flashed by a speed camera, you will pay a hefty fine.

The police take the 12 month deadline very seriously.

Unfortunately, the system here seems to treat far too many trivial "paper" offenses as being more serious than real crime these days.   

That really sucks.   

I'm going to raise some cain and see if it does any good.  They had no way of knowing that my circumstances were different than anyone else.  I'm not getting my hopes up, but my driving instructor was encouraging that they should be able to do something.  I'm not holding my breath.

Unfortunately, it isn't a matter of just needing to get to the office.  I work in peoples homes around South Wales providing crisis intervention services.  It is a job requirement for me to have an active license.  They've been okay with me using the US one knowing my UK one was coming.  We'll see what happens.

Update:  I called the DSA and they were very understanding.  As it turns out, there was a cancellation for next week, so I took it.  I'm still curious what would have happened if they hadn't had a cancellation though.  My driving instructor said that since it was their mistake causing problems that they should either extend my US license or make an extra time for me.  I'm actually a bit disappointed that there was a cancellation so I couldn't see what they'd do.

I also found out why they cancelled.  The examiner apparently went on sick leave for three weeks.  Everyone keep their fingers crossed that I pass next week!

Best of luck, even though you surely won't need it, everything crossed for you as well!

I'm glad it was resolved!  Good luck!