Driving test waits fall to two-year low - but still average 20 weeks
Summary
Waiting times for driving tests in the UK have fallen to an average of 19.7 weeks, the shortest wait since November 2024. The government and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are working to reduce the backlog caused by the Covid pandemic, but many learner drivers still face long delays.Key Facts
- Learner drivers in September waited about 20 weeks for a practical driving test.
- The DVSA aims to cut waiting times, which grew during the Covid pandemic starting in 2020.
- The original goal was to reduce waits to 7 weeks by the end of last year, but this was delayed to autumn 2025.
- In September, the DVSA conducted 191,682 practical driving tests with over half of the candidates passing.
- Earlier this year, the DVSA changed its booking system to prevent reselling of test slots by third parties using bots.
- Many driving instructors say there are still not enough examiners to meet the demand.
- Some learner drivers book tests months in advance before starting lessons due to the long wait.
- The government says progress is being made but acknowledges waiting times are not yet at the desired level.
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