The UK’s driving test system continues to face significant delays, with official figures showing average waiting times of almost 22 weeks in May, according to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data. This compares with around five weeks in February 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted services and demand patterns. The figures have renewed scrutiny of capacity within the testing system, as learners across the country report difficulty securing appointments within a reasonable timeframe.
The issue has become a recurring point of concern for policymakers and learners alike, with government ministers acknowledging sustained pressure on the system. According to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, demand remains high and reforms are being introduced to address booking practices, examiner capacity and test availability across regions. According to officials, the backlog reflects a combination of sustained demand and operational constraints within the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Regional variations in availability have also been highlighted as part of the ongoing pressures affecting learners.
Waiting Times Remain Well above Target as Backlog Persists
According to DVSA figures, the average waiting time to book a driving test in May was almost 22 weeks. This level remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic conditions, when waiting times were around five weeks in February 2020. The DVSA had previously set an ambition to reduce waiting times to seven weeks, a target initially expected by the end of last year.
According to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, this was later pushed back to summer 2026, before she acknowledged it would not be achievable. Giving evidence to the Transport Select Committee, she said it would take a long time to resolve the problem, while indicating that a return to the seven-week aspiration may be possible by autumn next year.
However, according to reports, citing DVSA figures and parliamentary updates, the backlog could persist further, with projections suggesting delays may continue until autumn 2027. This remains reflected in regional disparities, with Transport Secretary noting that in some locations learners still face waits of several months before securing a test appointment. According to DVSA historical comparison cited in the reporting, pre-pandemic waiting times of around five weeks highlight the scale of the current gap. The gap has become a reference point for ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of the system.
Measures to Reduce Speculative Booking and Increase Examiner Capacity
According to Heidi Alexander, the Government has focused on increasing examiner capacity, including recruiting additional driving examiners and accelerating training. She also said military examiners are being used to support the system during periods of pressure.
Reforms to the booking system have also been introduced to limit misuse. According to statements made to MPs, only learners are now permitted to book their driving test, a change introduced on 12 May. Officials have reported a reduction in speculative activity, with swap volumes falling by around 70 per cent and refund volumes decreasing by approximately one third since that date.
Further restrictions include limits on changes to bookings and the relocation of test appointments. Since March, only two changes can be made to a booked test slot. From 9 June, candidates can only move their test to one of the three nearest test centres to their original booking location, aimed at reducing long-distance slot swapping. These measures form part of ongoing efforts to reduce misuse and stabilise availability across the testing system. The DVSA continues to publish updated waiting time data as the system remains under review by ministers and parliament.
