Driving test waiting times continue to be one of the biggest frustrations facing learner drivers and driving instructors across the UK. Since the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, demand for driving tests has consistently outstripped availability, leaving many learners waiting months to secure a test date.
At the time of writing, many test centres are showing waiting times of up to 24 weeks. With driving test cancellations becoming increasingly difficult to find, both learners and instructors are finding the current system challenging and, at times, incredibly frustrating.
The current backlog can largely be traced back to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdowns, driving tests were suspended for extended periods, creating a significant backlog of learners waiting to take their tests.
Although the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has worked to increase testing capacity, demand has remained exceptionally high. As a result, many areas of the country continue to experience long waiting times and limited driving test availability.
Since 2022, the DVSA has been actively recruiting new driving examiners in an effort to reduce the backlog. Initially, the agency aimed to recruit around 170 additional examiners to increase testing capacity.
One of the first major measures was introduced in October 2023, when qualified examiners who were working in non-testing roles were temporarily redeployed to conduct driving tests. This had a positive impact, reducing average waiting times by approximately six weeks.
However, once these staff members returned to their original positions, waiting times began to increase again, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining sufficient testing capacity.
In April 2025, the DVSA introduced new rules designed to reduce wasted test appointments and make better use of available driving test slots.
The changes included:
At the time, the DVSA stated that:
“Fewer driving test slots will be wasted as the government announces an extension to the window for test cancellations to prevent last-minute changes.”
However, the results have not necessarily matched expectations. In the months following the changes, the number of learners failing to attend their booked driving tests reportedly increased by around 1% each month through to September 2025.
While it is still difficult to assess the full impact of these measures, they have not yet delivered a significant reduction in waiting times.
In December 2025, the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, announced a further package of measures aimed at tackling the ongoing driving test backlog.
Importantly, she confirmed that the standard driving test fee would remain at £62, stating that learners should not be penalised for the current situation.
The new measures, expected to be introduced during 2026, include:
The following actions will each count as one change:
Alongside these changes, the government also announced that 36 Ministry of Defence examiners would be made available to conduct driving tests, creating approximately 6,500 additional test slots.
The DVSA has been continuously recruiting examiners since 2022. However, while many new examiners have joined the service, a significant number of experienced examiners have also left for a variety of reasons.
As a result, despite nearly four years of recruitment efforts, the overall increase in examiner numbers is believed to be fewer than 50 additional examiners.
The government’s latest measures are clearly aimed at reducing the backlog and preventing learners from being exploited by organisations and individuals who sell driving test appointments at inflated prices.
Whether these changes will achieve their intended outcome remains to be seen.
As driving instructors, there is very little we can do to influence waiting times or test availability. What we can do is ensure that our learners are fully prepared when their test date finally arrives.
Personally, I am not convinced that these latest measures will have a significant impact on driving test waiting times. Nor do I believe they will completely deter those who are willing to exploit the system for financial gain. History has shown that whenever there is money to be made, people often find ways around restrictions.
That said, the success or failure of these measures will ultimately be determined by the results. The real question is where we will be in 12 months’ time. If waiting times have reduced to a more reasonable level and learners can access driving tests more easily, then the measures will have achieved their purpose.
Until then, learners and instructors alike will be watching closely and hoping that meaningful improvements are finally on the horizon.
Many driving test centres currently have waiting times of up to 24 weeks, although this varies depending on location and demand.
The backlog is primarily a result of COVID-19 disruptions, high demand for tests, and ongoing examiner shortages.
Earlier appointments can sometimes become available through official DVSA cancellations, although these are often highly sought after. Search for earlier driving test dates here
The intention is to improve driving test availability and reduce misuse of the booking system, but it is too early to know whether the measures will significantly reduce waiting times.
If you’re preparing for your driving test in Northamptonshire e.g. Burton Latimer, Kettering, Finedon or Wellingborough, we offer professional driving lessons designed to help learners pass first time. Our aim is to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to be a safe and confident driver.
Contact Us here at Latimer Driver Training for more information about driving lessons.
