Driving test wait times ‘putting strain’ on learner drivers

Several motoring organisations, including the AA and RED Driver Training, have expressed frustration at the growing backlog of driving tests.

According to DVSA data published by the AA, 138 test centres in the UK saw no improvement in the amount of time learners had to wait before taking their test between January and April 2023.

Seb Goldin, the CEO of RED Driver Training, described how the backlog is affecting learner drivers and instructors alike. 

He explained: “The driving test backlog is not only putting strain on learner drivers, but the industry as a whole.

“We train about 25 percent of the country’s driving instructors, and still, we don’t have enough instructors to accommodate the demand.”

Seb Goldin gave advice to learners who are unsure about when they should book their driving test.

Mr Goldin said: “Shockingly, 50,000 learners take six or more attempts to pass, and this is taking up many of the valuable test slots that those who are ready to pass are struggling to get hold of.

“My advice is to listen to your instructor; they have the experience to help you know when the time is right to go to test and pass as soon as you’re ready to do so.”

The AA also noted that, between January and April 2023, the average waiting time for a driving test at 59 centres was over five months.

The long waits have led to some offering pricier alternatives to booking a driving test, such as subscription services which alert learners when a test becomes available.

Whilst the AA claims that these services cost learners £18 per month, others pay up to £250 to buy a driving test that has already been booked.

Camilla Benitz, the AA Driving School Managing Director, called on the DVSA to stop learners from resorting to these expensive systems.

She explained: “The extortionate costs of resold driving tests unfairly penalise those on lower incomes, including care leavers who have been supported by charities to take lessons, and more must be done to close the loopholes in the DVSA’s booking system.

“Greater visibility of tests and waiting times at test centres should be available to all learners, not just those who can afford to pay extra through booking services.”