UK Learner Drivers Face 20-Week Test Booking Wait as DVSA Misses 7-Week Goal
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 9
UK Learner Drivers Face 20-Week Test Booking Wait as DVSA Misses 7-Week Goal
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 9
Summary
20-week average waits to book a practical driving test persisted in August, down only marginally from 20.2 weeks in July, while the gap between booking and sitting a test held at 11.1 weeks.
2.13 million practical tests were conducted in the 12 months to August 2026 — a record rolling total — but the DVSA still cannot meet its original seven-week target and has already conceded even a summer 2026 goal is out of reach.
DVSA changes this year let only learners book tests, limit them to three local centres and restrict date swaps, aiming to curb touting and gaming of the system.
Learners and instructors say the backlog is still driving pressure and scams: one London learner described 6am booking queues of 21,000 people, while instructors said failed candidates can face another roughly six-month wait.