STALLED: Driving test backlogs in the South West surge despite DVSA efforts
Test centres in parts of Bristol, Somerset, Cheltenham and Swindon are fully booked
Last updated 30th Oct 2024
The average waiting time for driving tests across the UK last month exceeded 18 weeks, leaving learner drivers facing delays of up to six months, with many unable to secure a booking at all.
These delays are particularly bad in parts of the West country, with centres in Bristol, Yeovil, Taunton, Cheltenham and Swindon facing a 6 month wait.
Persistent backlogs have given rise to a so-called “black market” of driving tests, where learners feel compelled to use third-party apps.
These apps, often using bots, snap up available test slots, typically reselling them at inflated prices.
Test Wait Times Hit Near Record Highs
Data released in response to a parliamentary question from Neil O’Brien, Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby, and Wigston, revealed that the average wait time for a driving test in September 2024 was 18.8 weeks.
Furthermore, 31% of test centres reported average waiting times of 24 weeks, the maximum currently possible, leaving many learners unable to book tests.
Mr. O’Brien commented:
“Before the pandemic, people typically waited 6-8 weeks for a driving test. After the pandemic, that increased to 14-16 weeks, which was already concerning, but we hoped it would eventually return to normal.
“Instead, the situation has worsened further in 2023. In some areas, the average wait is now 20-22 weeks. However, the statistics don’t tell the whole story because test slots are released only every six months. If no slots are available, learners can’t book at all.
“We don’t have data on how many people are trying to book but are turned away, but the fact that a third of driving test centers report the maximum conceivable wait indicates a significant number of people being turned away regularly.”
The Impact on Learners
When learners attempt to book a test, they are often directed to the nearest available slot, which can be far from their location.
During the summer, a learner driver from London, Ellen Pasternack, was told her nearest available test slot was in Birmingham.
“I started learning to drive just before the pandemic, and immediately afterwards, it became very difficult to book a test. I actually gave up for a while because logging in and checking took too much time, and I couldn’t afford to keep taking lessons without a test date in sight,” Ellen shared.
“I thought things would improve, but two years later, this summer, I found it even worse. There was no availability at all in London or the South East.”
Ellen has since launched a campaign called “End the Backlog” to raise awareness about the issue and propose solutions.
Listen to our investigation here
Campaign Calls for Action
The “End the Backlog” campaign highlights three key areas for change:
1) Extend Theory Test Validity: With learners facing a two-year window to take their practical test after passing the theory test, their campaign is urging ministers to extend this period. The goal is to reduce the financial burden on learners who may have to retake their theory test due to difficulties in securing a practical test.
2) Increase the Number of Examiners: Their campaign advocates for creative solutions to boost the number of available driving tests. Analysis by Marmalade suggests that while around two million tests may be conducted in 2025, demand could be four times higher. One proposed solution is to allow Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) to take a shortened course enabling them to conduct tests on an ad-hoc basis.
3) Clamp Down on Bots: Their campaign calls for the DVSA to do more to tackle the “black market” for driving tests. Many apps exploit the ability of driving instructors to book multiple tests simultaneously—originally intended to help driving schools manage schedules. The campaign suggests temporarily disabling this feature to prevent bots from monopolizing test slots and reselling them at higher prices.
DVSA Response
DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder responded to the concerns, staying: “In the past financial year alone, we’ve provided almost two million car practical driving tests. I was delighted to meet the Transport Secretary in September to discuss our plans to increase the number of tests we make available by recruiting more examiners, and tackling bots and those exploiting learners.
“DVSA wants to see more learners passing first time. That’s why we’re working with the driver training industry to educate and advise learners on what they can do to prepare better and improve their likelihood of passing.
“Learners can check out our ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign and use our checklist to make sure they’ve had enough lessons so they can drive safely and are ready to pass first time.”
A DVSA spokesperson also noted:
"Apps and bots can result in people paying more for a test than the official test fee of £62. Using such services also means candidates might not find out about any changes to their test.
"In January 2023, DVSA changed its booking service terms and conditions to help prevent anyone from selling tests at profit. Since then, DVSA has issued 313 warnings, 766 suspensions, and closed 705 business accounts for misuse of its booking service.
"DVSA is deploying enhanced bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, so DVSA’s work in this area is ongoing. "