Driving test waits hit 22 weeks in September 2025, and the DVSA now expects its seven‑week target to remain out of reach until 2027.
Delays have grown sharply since the Covid-19 pandemic, which have been further worsened by third‑party bot bookings and a shortage of driving test examiners.
Despite repeated recruitment drives, high staff exit rates linked to pay and safety concerns limit the DVSA’s ability to expand test capacity.
Learners now face long waits and inflated fees, with some paying up to £500 through third‑party sites.
Around 70% of test centres across the UK operate at maximum waiting times, and a pandemic‑driven backlog, which is now estimated to be around 1.1 million tests.
The DVSA also stated that automated booking programmes an also obscure the true demand for tests.
The NAO reports that examiner numbers have risen by only 83 since 2021, far short of the 400‑examiner goal.
It recommends that DVSA and the Department for Transport (DfT) reassess demand drivers, expand examiner capacity, and strengthen governance to prevent future system abuse.
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Gareth Davies, Head of the National Audit Office, said: “The current system for providing driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales is not working satisfactorily, with long waiting times and exploitation of learner drivers by resellers of test slots.
“Our report recommends that the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency and the Department for Transport take decisive action to restore a fit for purpose driving test service.”
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