The Government is facing mounting pressure to address lengthy driving test waiting times in Northumberland, where learners in some areas are waiting up to 24 weeks for a test. Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reveals that the average waiting time to book a test last month was nearly 22 weeks, a stark contrast to the pre-pandemic average of around five weeks. The government's target of seven weeks is unlikely to be achieved until autumn next year.
Local Impact on Young People
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Northumberland County Council, represents the rural Bamburgh ward. He emphasised the critical role driving plays for young people in the county. “For many young people in Northumberland, learning to drive is about independence and access to education, training and employment. As a large rural county, we know that public transport is not always available,” he said.
“Many young people rely on being able to drive to access apprenticeships, college courses, jobs and other opportunities that can shape their future. Families are understandably frustrated by the delays in the driving test system letting down their young people.” He added, “I will continue to raise this issue and press for action to ensure that young people in Northumberland are not disadvantaged by where they live.”
Waiting Times by Test Centre
Driving test availability data indicates the number of weeks before at least 10% of weekly test appointments are available. The latest figures show waiting times ranging from 18.5 to 24 weeks at centres serving Northumberland:
- Alnwick – 18.5 weeks
- Berwick-upon-Tweed – 24 weeks
- Blyth – 24 weeks
- Hexham – 19.5 weeks
However, the DVSA notes these figures do not mean every driver will wait that long. The reported figure is the time until at least 10% of weekly appointments are still available. For example, if a test centre has 75 tests per week, the waiting time is the first week when 18 or more appointments remain open. Smaller numbers of weekly tests are usually available sooner, and the average waiting time between booking and taking a test is generally lower. In Northumberland, the current average wait times are:
- Alnwick – 12.1 weeks
- Berwick – 21.4 weeks
- Blyth – 8.6 weeks
- Hexham – 16.1 weeks
DVSA Response and Progress
A DVSA spokeswoman said: “The DVSA’s priority is to stop learners being exploited by third parties, put them in control of their driving test and make the process fairer. Our changes to the booking system mean it is now against the law for third parties to book tests for someone else, tackling those who sought to resell slots at inflated prices. We’re determined to reduce waiting times further, building on the nearly quarter of a million additional tests delivered since June 2025 – supported by driving examiner numbers at their highest level in recent years.”
A total of 242,796 more tests were conducted between June 2025 and May 2026 than over the same period the previous year. In May 2026, the driving test pass rate increased to 51.4%, the highest in over five years.
