Learner drivers in the UK are facing unprecedented delays in booking their practical driving tests, with the average waiting time reaching a record 20 weeks in February—up from 14 weeks just a year ago, according to a new report from AA Driving School based on DVSA data.

Even more concerning, the number of test centres with the maximum 24-week wait time has nearly doubled, rising from 94 to 183. This significant backlog has put added pressure on learners, already burdened by the high cost of driving lessons and limited instructor availability.

DVSA Aims for 7-Week National Average by End of 2025

While the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has set a goal to reduce average wait times to seven weeks by December 2025, only 14 centres were currently meeting or exceeding that target as of February 2025.

To tackle this growing crisis, the Department for Transport (DfT) is introducing a key policy change effective Tuesday, 8 April 2025:

⏱️ Test slot changes must now be made at least 10 working days in advance, up from the previous 3-day window.

This change is aimed at discouraging premature bookings and ensuring more test slots are released when learners know they won’t be ready in time.

New Recruitment Drive: 450 Driving Examiners to Be Added

The DfT has also launched a campaign to recruit and train 450 new driving examiners across Great Britain to boost test capacity.

Emma Bush, Managing Director of AA Driving School, welcomed the move:

“Bringing down driving test waiting times is crucial. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about access to education, jobs, and independence for young people.”

Youth Mobility and Licensing Trends

Recent statistics highlight the urgency:

• The percentage of 17–20-year-olds in England holding a driving licence dropped from 35% in 2019 to 29% in 2023.
• The share of 18–24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET) rose from 12.4% in late 2019 to 15.8% by the end of 2023.

A DVSA spokesperson emphasized the importance of only booking tests when learners are fully prepared:

“High demand and low confidence in test availability are altering customer behaviour. We continue to roll out our seven-point plan to reduce wait times and restore confidence.”