How to beat the driving test backlog

The Covid-19 pandemic caused about a million driving tests to be missed, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the Government agency responsible for the test. It says it has made more than a million additional driving tests available since so why is there still a backlog?

According to the DVSA, there are a number of reasons for the delays, most notably an increase in demand and industrial action in 2023 contributing to thousands of tests being cancelled.

The DVSA says that there has been a change in the way that people book their tests, with many learners booking their practical test straight after passing their theory test even if they may not be ready to take it.

This can mean they change their test date multiple times and people who are ready to take their test find it difficult to book a slot.

Why you should avoid unofficial websites and apps to book your driving test

Some learner drivers have been turning to brokers to secure a practical driving test slot. According to a BBC investigation, many brokers use ‘bots’, which can input data more quickly than a human can on the official DVSA website, and they’re then able to block-book driving test slots and sell them on - often at inflated prices.

A practical car driving test costs £62 on a weekday, rising to £75 for an evening, weekend or bank holiday slot. However, the BBC has seen evidence of brokers selling test dates for more than £200.

Some learner drivers are also using cancellation finder apps to secure an earlier driving test.

The DVSA says that it does not not run, approve or endorse any cancellation finder apps or services and that learner drivers should only use the official GOV.UK website to book and manage their driving test.

It warns that when you use an unofficial website or app you might not get important emails from DVSA about your test, including if the DVSA needs to change your test date.

Learner drivers also need to be wary about how an unofficial service uses their personal data. The DVSA carried out a review of several unofficial cancellation finders and apps and discovered that none of them had a privacy notice that complied with data protection law.

It says you should always keep your driving licence number secure as it could be invaluable to those looking to steal your identity.

If you think a privacy notice is incomplete or missing or if the company has misused your data you should contact the Information Commissioner’s Office.

If you’ve been a victim of an online scam or fraud and you live in England or Wales you should contact Action Fraud or if you live in Scotland you should report the crime to the police.

if you think you’ve found misleading claims about charges or service feature on an unofficial website, report it to the Advertising Standards Authority.

Ways to legitimately beat the driving test backlog

An accredited driving instructor (ADI) can book a practical driving test on your behalf, provided they are registered on the Government Gateway website, and this could be quicker than trying to book a slot through GOV.UK yourself.

Another way to beat the driving test backlog is to take an intensive driving course which includes a practical test at the end. This means you could pass your test in as little as a week but bear in mind that you might find this approach more stressful and be under more pressure to pass at the first attempt. On average, most people need 45 hours tuition to pass their driving test.

If you don’t opt for an intensive course or your driving instructor can’t book the test on your behalf you could also consider taking a test at a driving test centre which is further away from you but has more availability.

The lowest average waiting times can be found in Wales, where learner drivers face an average wait of 12 weeks, according to analysis by the TaxPayer’s Alliance campaign group.

At the opposite end of the scale, London is the worst place in the UK for waiting times, with average wait times of 23 weeks across the 32 driving centres, while the West Midlands and the South West both have average waiting times of 20 weeks.

To tackle this, the DVSA says that it continues to ask examiners from areas with lower waiting times to travel and test in test centres with longer waiting times, such as London, and other highly populated areas of the country.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said in August 2024 that reducing the test backlog is a "key priority" for the Labour Government.

Frequently asked questions

How much do driving lessons cost?

Our research found that in the first three months of 2024, the average cost of lessons needed to pass a driving test was around £1,690.59.

Find out more about how much driving lessons cost.

How much does driving insurance cost?

For drivers aged 17-20, the average price of a policy bought through MoneySuperMarket in 2023 was £1,699.96

How much does it cost to pass a driving test and get on the road for 12 months?

Getting a 17-20 year old on the road and driving for 12 months in the UK costs an average of £7,609, according to our Spring Household Money Index.

Can I take a driving test in my own car?

Yes, you can take your driving test in your own car if it meets the requirements.

Find out about the requirements and pros and cons of taking a driving test in your own car.