UK Driving Test Waiting Times Show Limited Improvement, Backlog Persists

The UK continues to experience lengthy waiting times for practical driving tests, with average delays remaining above 20 weeks. A parliamentary committee has expressed concern over the slow progress in reducing the backlog that has affected learner drivers nationwide. 2 weeks in January 2026.

5 weeks monthly. Between April and December 2025, waiting times remained largely unchanged, consistently near the 22-week mark.

Backlog and Capacity Challenges

A National Audit Office (NAO) report published in December 2025 highlighted ongoing challenges in meeting targets to reduce waiting times.

The DVSA's original goal to bring waiting times down to seven weeks by December 2025 was not met and has been revised to November 2027. The report noted that in September 2025, 70% of permanent test centres were fully booked up to the 24-week limit, limiting earlier test availability despite changes in demand.

The committee has requested confirmation on whether the DVSA remains on track to meet the revised 2027 target.

It also sought information on steps being taken to improve recruitment and retention of driving examiners, which the NAO identified as critical to increasing test capacity. Between February 2021 and September 2025, the DVSA added 83 full-time equivalent examiners, while examiner attrition reached 14%, roughly double the civil service average.

Industry and Workforce Concerns

The committee also raised concerns from industry groups and unions regarding recent policy changes and workforce conditions.

A planned rule change to prevent driving instructors from booking tests on behalf of learners is scheduled to take effect in spring 2026. The National Association's Strategic Partnership, representing driving instructors, has expressed criticism of this policy.

Additionally, the PCS union has voiced concerns about new compulsory weekend working contracts for examiners, warning that these could affect morale and retention within the DVSA workforce.

The committee has asked the government to clarify its position on these issues and to provide more detailed future reporting, including clearer historical comparisons of waiting times and recruitment data presented in tables or graphs. The letter also requested updates on the use of Ministry of Defence examiners assisting with driving tests and on government actions to address automated systems that hoard booking slots.

The ongoing delays continue to affect thousands of learner drivers, with no immediate indication of a return to pre-backlog waiting times.