The UK government is rolling out a new plan to deliver thousands more driving tests each month in an effort to address the growing backlog affecting learner drivers across Great Britain.
This move comes as Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander admitted that the government will miss its target to reduce waiting times by the end of this year, pushing the goal into mid-2026.
Under the new measures, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will boost its examiner capacity by offering increased overtime and hiring additional specialist trainers.
This initiative aims to add a minimum of 10,000 extra driving tests monthly, helping reduce the current national average wait time, which now exceeds 20 weeks.
The DVSA conducted a record 1.92 million driving tests last year, but demand has continued to outstrip supply. To accelerate progress, the agency will double the number of permanent trainers responsible for preparing new examiners, and all staff qualified to conduct tests have been asked to volunteer for additional slots.
The government also plans to overhaul the test booking system. Measures will be introduced to stop automated bots from reserving test appointments and reselling them at inflated prices to desperate learner drivers. Tighter rules are expected to improve access and reduce test cancellations and reschedules.
Despite these steps, many learner drivers are still facing extended delays, with many centres fully booked up to six months in advance. Motoring organisations have reported increased frustration among those awaiting their practical test.
In Parliament, MPs raised concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the new measures, pointing to staffing challenges and limited potential for increasing examiner overtime. They also criticised the government’s slow response to ongoing issues within the booking system, which has allowed third parties to dominate test slot availability.
The Department for Transport emphasised the urgency of addressing the backlog, acknowledging the frustration of learners eager to pass their driving tests and move forward with their personal and professional plans.
While progress is being made, officials have confirmed that a significant reduction in waiting times is unlikely before summer 2026. Until then, learners are being urged to plan ahead and be cautious of unofficial booking services.
The DVSA remains committed to implementing further reforms, including an accelerated consultation in May to refine the booking system and maximise test availability across Great Britain.
