Staggering number of motorists now waiting to take their driving test
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The long wait UK learner drivers face to book exams
- The UK driving test backlog has increased to over 630,000, according to recent figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
- Despite the rising demand, the number of tests conducted between January and May decreased by 14 per cent compared to the same period last year.
- The DVSA had temporarily deployed eligible staff from other roles to act as examiners between October 2023 and March 2024, resulting in a higher number of tests taken during that period.
- The pass rate in May reached 50.2 per cent, the highest monthly figure since August 2021, suggesting learners are waiting until they are more prepared before taking the test.
- The government is consulting on changes to the driving test booking system to prevent bots from reselling slots at inflated prices, and is implementing measures to increase test availability and reduce waiting times, aiming for an average of seven weeks by summer 2026.