The agency said the new figures are intended to provide clearer information about how long learners wait between booking and taking their test. The change follows continued efforts to increase testing capacity and address delays affecting learner drivers.
New Seven-Week Measure Introduced to Track Driving Test Delays
From Wednesday 9 September, the DVSA began publishing data showing the percentage of learners who take their practical driving test within different waiting time periods. The figures include the number of people waiting less than seven weeks and those waiting more than 24 weeks.
According to the DVSA, the publication of this data forms part of its commitment to provide greater transparency about driving test waiting times. The agency said it has expanded testing capacity, with driving examiner numbers reaching their highest level since November 2017.
In August 2026, 40% of learners in Great Britain waited less than seven weeks between booking and taking their test, according to the DVSA. The agency said the increase in available appointments gives learners a greater opportunity to find a suitable test slot. The latest figures also follow a recommendation from the National Audit Office that the DVSA should provide more accurate information about the time learners spend waiting for tests.
Despite the new reporting system, average waiting times remain a concern for many learners. Data covering August showed that the average time between booking and taking a test was 11.1 weeks. Half of learners who took a test in July 2026 waited no more than 11.1 weeks.
Booking Changes Introduced as Learners Continue to Report Difficulties
The DVSA has introduced several changes to the practical driving test booking system during 2026 in an attempt to make access to appointments fairer. Learners are now the only people allowed to book tests using their own details, preventing instructors and third parties from making bookings on their behalf.
The agency also introduced restrictions on changing test appointments and placed geographical limits on where learners can book. A learner can now choose from their three local test centres rather than searching across locations elsewhere in the country.
According to the BBC, some learners have described the difficulty of finding appointments as a source of pressure. Lucy Rend, a 19-year-old learner from south-east London, said she spent several mornings joining the DVSA booking service queue before finding a test slot.
Driving instructors have also raised concerns about the effect of long waits on learner confidence. Adem Veli, who has worked as an instructor for 16 years, said learners who fail a test can face another lengthy wait before taking a second attempt.
The DVSA said that more than 2.13 million practical driving tests took place in the 12 months to August 2026, the highest rolling 12-month total recorded. Chief executive Beverley Warmington said the agency would continue working to help learners access test appointments when they need them. The DVSA has also warned learners about unofficial services offering test appointments, with some instructors reporting continued attempts by third parties to sell access to test slots.
