Archive · 18 Dec 2025
UK Driving Test Backlog Worsens
Lots of people in the UK are waiting a long time to take their driving test.
The wait is about 22 weeks now, and it's not expected to get much better soon.
The problem started during the pandemic when test centers were closed.
Now, there aren't enough test examiners, and computers are booking up all the test slots quickly, making it hard for real learners to book.
The government is trying to fix this by making it so only learners can book tests and by offering money to keep examiners working.
The UK's driving test backlog has worsened, with 360,000 tests still unbooked.
Average waiting times are 22 weeks, with the target of 7 weeks unlikely to be met before November 2027.
The backlog is due to increased demand, workforce shortages, and bots abusing the booking system.
The DVSA has struggled to recruit examiners, with only 83 hired since February 2021.
New measures include limiting test bookings to learners only and offering £5,000 retention payments to examiners.
- Who
- Learner drivers across the UK
- What
- Driving test backlog and long waiting times
- When
- Since the pandemic, with current issues persisting
- Where
- UK-wide
- Why
- Increased demand, workforce shortages, and bot abuse of the booking system
- Backlog Size
- 360,000 tests remain unbooked
- Average Waiting Time
- 22 weeks (as of September)
- Target Waiting Time
- 7 weeks (unlikely to be met before November 2027)
- Test Cost
- £62 (weekdays), £75 (weekends/evenings)
- Resale Cost
- Up to £500 for pre-booked slots
- Examiner Recruitment Goal
- 400 (only 83 recruited since February 2021)
- Retention Payment for Examiners
- £5,000 from next year