ADVICE: driving Instructor Mike Morris is warning learner drivers not to pay out extra cash for no reason
Mike Morris, who runs 17+ Driving School, says people are paying charges of up to £18 to book, which is more than 50 per cent of the £31 charge for the test.
A theory test can be booked without any extra charges by visiting the Driving Standards Agency website.
Mr Morris, from Barnwood, said: "I found out about the problem when one of my pupils told me they had booked their theory test, and that it had cost them £49.
"I thought that it was a bit strange and that the cost should have been just £31.
"It appears there are sites that look just like the official DSA site, but are actually agencies who charge a fee for booking the test.
"However, if you go on the official site, you can book the test yourself and specify what time you want to take it as well.
"It seems as though someone has looked at this and seen it as an easy way to make themselves some money.
"It is expensive enough to learn to drive anyway, without having to pay extra cash out for no reason."
Martin Bruton, customer advice manager with the county's Trading Standards department, said there was nothing illegal about the sites.
He said: "This is not necessarily illegal or wrong.
"A company is entitled to charge for a service they have provided, and the fact that you can actually carry out the booking process yourself does not make it unreasonable.
"Our advice would always be to make sure you check just how much you are going to have to pay before committing yourself.
"The sites will always give you a chance to confirm if you want to pay.
"It is just a case of shopping around to fine the best deal for yourself."
Mike added; "If people want to be safe, they can find a direct link to the DSA site by visiting my website at www.17plus gloucester.blogspot.com."
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