Heidi Alexander: Driving Test Wait Time Target Delayed
- Driving test wait time target delayed until autumn 2027
- Average wait times currently at 22 weeks
- Backlog due to COVID-19 pandemic and high demand
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) working to reduce wait times
- 1.1 million tests not carried out in 2020/21 due to pandemic
The driving test wait time target of seven weeks will not be met until autumn next year, according to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. Officials said the current average wait times are at nearly 22 weeks. The backlog is due to the COVID-19 pandemic and high demand.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed that efforts to reduce wait times are ongoing. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has implemented a seven-point plan to reduce the waiting time to seven weeks. However, the agency is now forecasting that it does not expect to meet its seven-week waiting time target until November 2027.
Government sources said the average waiting time for booking a driving test in Great Britain was 22 weeks in September 2025, up from just over five weeks in February 2020. The DVSA has a target to reduce the national average waiting times for car driving tests from the current wait of 14 weeks to 9 weeks by the end of the year.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on driving test wait times. Witnesses said the pandemic led to a backlog of 1.1 million tests that were not carried out in the 2020/21 financial year. Despite this, the DVSA is working to reduce wait times.
Experts said the agency is training more driving examiners and dealing with the issue of bots - automated software - booking test slots and reselling them at inflated prices. Officials said the DVSA is also working to prevent test slots from getting booked up by bots.
Sources confirmed that three quarters of the 319 driving test centres across Great Britain have hit the maximum average waiting time - of 24 weeks - to book a practical test. This is the backdrop to the government's announcement of measures to deal with the delays.
Efforts to Reduce Wait Times
The DVSA is taking measures to reduce driving test wait times. Officials said the agency is implementing a seven-point plan to reduce the waiting time to seven weeks. The plan includes training more driving examiners and dealing with the issue of bots booking test slots.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed that the DVSA is working to prevent test slots from getting booked up by bots. The agency is also working to increase the number of test slots available.
Government sources said the DVSA is committed to reducing wait times and is working to achieve its target of reducing the national average waiting times for car driving tests to 9 weeks by the end of the year.
Historical Context
The driving test wait time target has been delayed several times in the past. Officials said the target was first set in 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources confirmed that the pandemic led to a significant backlog of tests, with 1.1 million tests not carried out in the 2020/21 financial year. The DVSA has been working to reduce the backlog, but the average wait times remain high.
Experts said the agency needs to do more to reduce wait times and achieve its target. The DVSA has said it is committed to reducing wait times and is working to achieve its target.
Human Impact
The delay in driving test wait times is having a significant impact on learners. Witnesses said the long wait times are causing frustration and anxiety for learners who are eager to take their tests.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed that the delay is also having an economic impact, with many learners having to pay for additional lessons while they wait for their tests.
Officials said the government is aware of the impact of the delay and is working to reduce wait times as soon as possible. The DVSA has said it is committed to reducing wait times and is working to achieve its target.