Driving Test Waiting Times
As of the end of May 2025, the average waiting time for a car practical driving test in Great Britain is a crazy 22.5 weeks.
Waiting times began to rise in 2020 after several months of suspended driving tests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, a sustained increase in demand – along with reduced confidence among learner drivers in test availability – has led to lasting changes in booking behaviour.
Many learners now try to secure a test date early in their learning process. However, it typically takes around six months or more for a learner to gain the necessary on-road experience to drive safely and independently after passing the test.
Measures to reduce driving test waiting times
The Secretary of State announced action to help reduce waiting times on 23 April 2025.
These included:
- A fast-tracked launch for our planned consultation on putting a stop to the exploitation of learner drivers – launched on 28 May 2025
- Incentivised additional testing offers for driving examiners – potentially creating thousands of extra tests per month
- Doubling our permanent training capacity for new driving examiners – meaning more can start carrying out driving tests sooner
- A call for volunteers from those currently in other roles (but qualified to examine) to carry out practical driving tests
Now DVSA has launched its consultation on improving driving test booking rules on 28th May 2025. The consultation closes on 9th July 2025.
Loveday Ryder, DVSA Chief Executive, said: “We’ve been working tirelessly to bring down the driving test waiting times. To help tackle this, in December 2024 we announced a new plan, on which we’re making good progress.
“DVSA is currently running a consultation on improvements we can make to the test booking system, which will help us plan our next steps.
“DVSA’s goal is to make booking a driving test easier and fairer for everyone while preventing excessive charges for learner drivers. GOV.UK is the only official way to book your practical driving test.”
Our advice
- Pass your Theory Test first, you won’t be able to book your test without this
- Check early on a Monday morning for dates and cancellations, even try at 6am!
- Refresh your browser for new tests
- Have all your details ready to hand including driving licence number so you can be quick!
- Use a driving test cancellations finder to get an earlier spot or preferred test centre if one becomes available
