Learner drivers across the UK are experiencing unprecedented delays in booking practical driving tests. The average waiting time has ballooned to around 20–22 weeks, with some centres reaching the maximum 24‑week wait reddit.com+9reddit.com+9reddit.com+9apass4u.co.uk+12theguardian.com+12bbc.co.uk+12. That’s nearly six months—an untenable situation for those eager to hit the road.
Why Are Delays So Severe?
- COVID-19 Impact
Lockdowns and restrictions between 2020–21 forced the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to pause practical testing. While testing resumed, a backlog persisted, keeping wait times high . - Surging Demand
As lockdowns eased, test bookings surged. Many learners booked tests before they were ready, causing no-shows and further clogging the systemlondon-driving-school.co.uk+1bbc.co.uk+1. - Examiner Shortages
Recruitment of hundreds of new examiners is underway, including redeployment of DVSA staff and overtime incentives. Still, attrition remains high, and training takes time—about five weeks per new examinerthesun.co.uk+14bbc.co.uk+14london-driving-school.co.uk+14. - Slot Hoarding by Bots and Brokers
Automated “bot” systems and third-party resellers are grabbing up test slots and selling them at inflated prices. Many learners report difficulty booking legitimately. One BBC user noted, “Driving is a basic life skill and it shouldn’t be this much of a problem”apass4u.co.uk+3bbc.co.uk+3london-driving-school.co.uk+3.
“Booking a driving test has turned into booking a concert ticket.”
— Reddit user, sharing the frustration of being deep in queue only for the site to crash bbc.co.uk+2reddit.com+2bbc.co.uk+2.
Government Action
The UK government has tabled a “7‑point plan” to tackle the crisis:
- Delivering 10,000 extra tests per month from May 2025bbc.co.uk+5reddit.com+5london-driving-school.co.uk+5gov.uk+15theguardian.com+15london-driving-school.co.uk+15.
- Hiring 450 new examiners, redeploying qualified staff, and offering overtimeintelligentinstructor.co.uk+8theguardian.com+8thescottishsun.co.uk+8.
- Reforming the booking system to crack down on bots and resellersbbc.co.uk+15theguardian.com+15london-driving-school.co.uk+15.
- Extending cancellation notice from 3 to 10 working days to free up unused slotsthescottishsun.co.uk+2thesun.co.uk+2apass4u.co.uk+2.
- Doubling training capacity for new examinersgov.uk+7theguardian.com+7honestjohn.co.uk+7.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander admitted the original target of 7‑week waits by December 2025 is unachievable, shifting it to summer 2026bbc.co.uk+13theguardian.com+13thescottishsun.co.uk+13. She called the current averages “totally unacceptable”apass4u.co.uk+15bbc.co.uk+15intelligentinstructor.co.uk+15.
Real-World Impact
For learners like 19‑year-old Millie, the delay has taken a toll: “It’s been a strain on my mental health… I’ve been trying to book since September 2023,” she told BBCbbc.co.uk+1apass4u.co.uk+1. Many users rely on expensive brokers or third-party apps—some charging £200 for a test slot—raising concerns over exploitation and inequalityrac.co.uk+14bbc.co.uk+14thetimes.co.uk+14.
What You Can Do Now
- Book only when truly ready: DVSA’s “Ready to Pass?” campaign encourages learners to avoid premature bookinggov.uk+15bbc.co.uk+15thescottishsun.co.uk+15.
- Stay flexible: Monitor multiple test centres and use cancellation sweeps to snag earlier slots.
- Avoid resellers: Book only through official channels to dodge scams and inflated fees.
For learners desperate to shorten the wait, a Fast track driving test could be a viable option—offering intensive, scheduled licensing courses designed to reduce delays and get you on the road faster.
While the backlog shows signs of easing by 2026, the current landscape remains challenging. Between government reforms, strategic planning, and smarter learner habits, there’s hope learners can find a clearer—and quicker—route to the wheel.
Curious about accelerated test preparation? Learn more about your options for a Fast track driving test with Fast Pass Driving Courses here:
▶️ Fast track driving test
