Learner drivers in Great Britain face test delays until 2027, NAO audit reveals backlog and DVSA challenges
A National Audit Office (NAO) audit has found that about 1.1 million driving tests have built up a backlog during the pandemic in Great Britain, with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) struggling to recognize the demand. The government’s target to reduce the waiting time for a driving test to seven weeks by the end of 2025 is now not expected to be met. Instead, this target is forecast to be achieved by November 2027.
Currently, the average wait time for a practical test across Great Britain is 22 weeks. Approximately 680,000 individuals who have passed their theory test are potentially unable to book a practical driving test. Despite 19 recruitment campaigns, the DVSA has only added 83 net additional examiners since 2021, falling short of the 400 examiners target.
Financially, the DVSA is incurring a loss of £24 per test, resulting in an estimated £44 million annual deficit, as the test fee has remained unchanged since 2009. About 70% of driving test centres have slots fully booked up to the maximum 24 weeks ahead.
In response to the backlog and delays, government measures have included banning bots and third-party bookings, deploying military driving examiners, and plans from spring 2026 to limit test moves and swaps. The DVSA reports that from June to November this year, they added 74,847 extra tests, and further increases are planned.
The NAO recommends decisive action by both the DVSA and the Department for Transport to restore a fit-for-purpose driving test service in Great Britain.
