Driving test backlog set to last until autumn 2027
Consumer Editor
Britain’s ongoing driving test backlog is set to continue until next autumn, after the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, told a select committee average waiting times for a test in May were 22 weeks.
The figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed that the average witing times for a test in February 2020 were just five weeks.
DVSA’s initial aim was to cut waiting times to seven weeks by the end of 2025, which was pushed back until summer 2026. It is now being pushed back even further.
Coronavirus severely impacted wait times, along with a shortage of examiners. Alexander said there had been a net increase in examiners of 147 in the 12 months to May.
The Transport Secretary said 70% of driving test centres across the UK operate at maximum waiting times, which is now estimated to be around 1.1 million tests.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, said: "Realistically, this is going to take a long time to sort this problem out, and I think by the autumn of next year we should be back down to the seven-week aspiration that we've got."
The minister went on: "My aspiration is to get us back down to a point where, when someone is booking a test, they're not having to wait months on end to get one, which is the situation for some people in some locations at the moment."
"The action that we've taken in the last couple of months, it's too early to draw completely definitive conclusions on it, but we have seen evidence that swap volumes have gone down by 70 per cent and refund volumes also fell by around a third since May 12, which I think indicates that this sort of speculative booking and then rebooking, perhaps there's less of that happening."
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
Cheaper than AA or we'll beat it by 20%^
- With over 1,700 RAC mechanics nationwide, help is never far away
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
You might also like
What is learner driver insurance?
If you are taking your first steps into the world of driving, make sure you have the correct policy.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D500%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
Learner drivers on motorways - everything you need to know
If you’re learning to drive, you can have lessons on Britain’s motorways. The law was changed in June 2018 to allow this in the UK. Read our guide here.
What is a contraflow system? A guide for learner drivers
Roadworks, accidents, and public transport routes can result in contraflow systems being put in place on roads across the UK. Learn more with the RAC.
Using L plates and P plates – the complete learner driver guide
Everything you need to know about L plates and P plates. From where to put them on your car to the difference between L and P plates.
How to teach a learner driver
Getting experience behind the wheel with a friend or family member is invaluable. These are the steps supervising drivers should take.
Popular in News
1
Cash-strapped drivers admit to skipping the MOT and not replacing worn out tyres
2
More than half of young people want their first car to be an EV
3
RAC, police chiefs and road safety charities urge Government to act on drink-driving
4
Drivers issued a record 17 million private parking tickets
5
Fixing potholes could save Government over £5 billion
6
Don’t be in the dark when it comes to driving in sunglasses, warns the RAC
7
One in five drivers struggle to use a map
8
DVLA announces important changes for drivers with medical conditions
9
JCB sets new world land speed record
10