Test Waiting Times: Why the System Is Still Stuck in Traffic

For thousands of learner drivers across the UK, the journey to earning a full licence has become one of waiting, frustration, and uncertainty. Driving test waiting times remain at record highs, leaving pupils, instructors and examiners in limbo — and the situation shows little sign of easing.

According to the latest information from the DVSA, average waiting times of around 22 weeks for driving tests across the UK continue to present a major challenge. The National Audit Office (NAO) is now investigating, with its report expected in late 2025 or early 2026. It will likely confirm what most of us already know — that the DVSA is struggling to find a viable strategy to reduce waiting times.

As a result, candidates, instructors, and examiners are stuck in a long traffic jam, with no clear end in sight. But while the queue might feel endless, there are steps you can take to manage the wait and make the most of your preparation time.

Book online via the DVSA booking service

If you try to book a practical driving test through the DVSA’s booking system, you may find no available slots in many parts of the UK. Some learners try logging in at 6 a.m. on a Monday, when new test slots occasionally appear — often up to 24 weeks away. That might work, but what if you’re test-ready now?

In that case, book the earliest date you can find and be prepared to wait. You may also be tempted to use a test cancellation app, which scans the DVSA system usually for a fee. Be cautious, as not all services are reliable.

From 12th May 2026, the DVSA limited the ability to book car practical tests, so that only learners can do it. You’d think that would be the end of test-shifting apps, and it appears they can no longer automatically shift your test for you, relying simply on automated notification of available test bookings. As of today, two of the most popular test-shifting apps are still available to buy on Google Play and the App Store.

Additionally, DVSA are limiting learners’ ability to move their test to a maximum of two occasions, so be careful and choose your test centre wisely, because in June, you will only be able to move this test to the three nearest ones.

Beware of test re-sellers and scams

There are also test re-sellers out there who will take fees of hundreds of pounds from you, only to disappear without a trace. If someone asks you for more money than the cost of the test (£62 for weekday tests, and £75 for weekends), be extremely suspicious – you’ll likely lose your money.

Be genuinely test-ready

You should only book and attempt a driving test when you are truly ready to pass. This means taking professional lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), supported by structured private practice with a family member or friend.

Rushing to book a test too soon often leads to repeated failures, which only adds more pressure to an already overloaded system.

Talk to your instructor before booking

Many learners book a test speculatively, assuming they’ll be ready in 24 weeks’ time. However, this can add unnecessary pressure , especially for younger drivers, to pass first time, even if they’re not yet prepared.

One of the causes of long waiting times is the number of candidates repeatedly rebooking after unsuccessful attempts. The system depends on people passing the test to free up future slots. If too many learners take tests before they’re ready, the backlog only grows.

Your instructor will be honest with you about your readiness. Listen carefully to their advice. They can estimate how many hours of tuition you’ll likely need before being test-ready.

At Tayton Driver Training, we offer an honest Driving Assessment to identify which skills need refining before you take your test.

It’s also important to check your instructor’s availability before booking. They should share their instructor number (PRN) with you, so you can quote that number when booking your test. There’s nothing worse than finding your instructor is unavailable to accompany you because they’re already committed elsewhere. Using the PRN ensures you won’t double-book with another of your instructor’s learners.

Consider cancelling or swapping your test until you’re ready

Tens of thousands of test-ready candidates are waiting for their turn. Is it really fair on them — or on yourself — to take a test you’re unlikely to pass?

Some learners argue that taking a test “for experience” is worthwhile, but if you’re not fully ready, it can be demoralising and potentially unsafe. Instead, ask your instructor for a mock test. This provides valuable experience of the test environment — driving for 35–40 minutes without assistance — followed by constructive feedback on any faults or areas to improve.

If your mock test shows that you’re not quite ready, postponing your real test might be the wiser choice. It allows you to focus your training and approach the test with confidence rather than anxiety.

You will have to find another learner with whom to swap your test – this in itself is fraught with potential difficulty and trickery. (I am working on another blog post to help you navigate this process.)

Conclusion: Everyone has a part to play

There are no winners in the current situation. The DVSA is under immense pressure to improve waiting times, driving instructors are under pressure to meet pupils’ expectations, and learners are under pressure to pass first time or face another long wait.

However, if everyone does their part, the situation can improve.

DVSA should explore every option to train and retain more examiners — including increasing the test fee, which has remained unchanged since 2009. A modest increase could make the role more financially rewarding and attract new examiners to the profession.
Instructors should uphold strict test-readiness policies, ensuring candidates only take tests when genuinely prepared. At Tayton Driver Training, we require all pupils to complete a Driving Assessment as a minimum, before using an instructor’s car for their test.
Pupils must be realistic, avoid short-cuts or “queue-jumping” tactics, and plan your test well in advance. Expecting an instructor to accompany you to a test at short notice simply isn’t fair.

We find ourselves in this predicament due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020–2021, but the question remains: why is it still an issue today? Why should learners, instructors, and examiners continue to bear the brunt?

The road to reform may be long, but with patience, honesty, and shared responsibility, we can all help keep it moving.