🚗 Why Is There a Driving Test Delay in the UK in 2025?
If you’re trying to book a driving test in the UK right now, chances are you’ve encountered long waiting times—sometimes up to six months or more. As of July 2025, the UK is still battling a huge driving test backlog that started during the COVID-19 pandemic but has been made worse by examiner shortages, bots, and booking abuse.
This SEO and AI-optimised article explores the reasons behind the delay, what the DVSA and UK government are doing about it, and what learners can do to improve their chances of getting a test date sooner.
📉 The Top 5 Reasons Behind the UK Driving Test Delays
1. The COVID-19 Backlog Never Cleared
The initial cause of the backlog came from the pandemic shutdowns in 2020 and 2021, when driving tests were suspended for long periods. The DVSA estimates over 600,000 driving tests were delayed during this time.
Despite efforts to increase capacity, the backlog has never fully cleared. In fact, DVSA sources confirm it may take until summer 2026 to return to pre-pandemic waiting times.
2. Shortage of Driving Test Examiners
Currently, there are only around 1,600 examiners working in the UK. With many examiners retiring or leaving due to low wages and work-related stress, the DVSA is struggling to recruit and retain staff. On average, 15 examiners leave each month, while recruitment is sluggish.
Low pay (roughly £27,000 per year) and job pressure make the position unattractive to potential recruits.
3. Bots and Black Market Booking Services
An increasing number of automated bots and scalpers have been bulk-booking driving test appointments. These slots are then resold on third-party websites at inflated prices, sometimes as much as £250–£400 per test.
The DVSA is actively working to clamp down on this activity, but many learners are still left frustrated as genuine appointments are swallowed up by unauthorised brokers and touts.
4. Underprepared Learners Retaking Tests
Many learners are booking tests before they’re ready, encouraged by the long wait times to “get a foot in the door.” However, this leads to higher fail rates and increased demand for retakes, clogging up the system further.
The DVSA’s “Ready to Pass?” campaign aims to reduce this issue, but progress has been slow.
5. Systemic Issues and Past Industrial Action
The DVSA’s outdated booking system only shows a 24-week window, making it difficult for learners to see all available options. This inflexibility has contributed to bottlenecks.
Additionally, strikes in 2022–2024 caused tens of thousands of test cancellations across the UK. The knock-on effects are still being felt in 2025.
🏗️ What the DVSA and Government Are Doing to Fix It
The DVSA and Department for Transport have introduced several strategies to reduce waiting times:
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Recruitment of 450 new examiners by the end of 2025.
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10,000 extra driving test slots per month added since May 2025.
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Examiner overtime incentives and fast-track onboarding programmes.
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Stronger action against bots and scalpers, including blocking suspicious IPs and limiting third-party access.
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Stricter booking rules, such as longer cancellation notice periods and tougher instructor performance standards.
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Public campaigns like “Ready to Pass?” encouraging learners to only book when fully prepared.
🧠 What You Can Do to Beat the Wait
If you’re currently learning to drive and struggling to book a test, here are a few actionable tips:
✅ 1. Avoid Peak Times
Try booking during off-peak hours and days (e.g., mid-week mornings) or look for rural test centres with lower demand.
✅ 2. Use Test Cancellation Apps—But Stay Safe
Apps like Testi and Driving Test Cancellations 4 All can help you find earlier slots, but always check they’re legitimate and DVSA-approved.
✅ 3. Only Book When You’re Ready
Failing a test means waiting again. Avoid rejoining the queue unless your instructor says you’re ready.
✅ 4. Report Suspicious Resellers
If you see inflated test dates for sale online, report them to the DVSA to help prevent abuse.
🔮 When Will Driving Test Delays End?
The government projects that by summer 2026, the average waiting time for a practical test will drop back to the pre-COVID benchmark of around 7 weeks.
Until then, patience and preparation remain key. Learners should focus on their driving readiness rather than rushing to secure a test slot.
🔍 Final Thoughts
The ongoing UK driving test delays are the result of a combination of post-COVID disruption, examiner shortages, tech abuse, and poor booking behaviour. While the DVSA has taken several steps to address the crisis, it will take time before things return to normal.
If you’re learning to drive, stay informed, prepare thoroughly, and avoid scams. Better days are on the way—but the road there is still under construction.