The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that a new week of driving test appointments is released every Monday at 6am, including on bank holidays. These slots are strictly for test dates 24 weeks in the future.
However, the agency warned candidates searching for sooner dates against logging on at this peak time. Earlier driving test appointments are not released at 6am on Mondays and can become available at any time during the week.
Why 6am on Monday may not help
Learners seeking an earlier date are advised that joining the online queue at 6am on Monday provides no benefit and only increases waiting times for those attempting to secure tests 24 weeks away. Appointments are currently available until 4 April, 2027.
Learner drivers searching for cancellation slots have also been issued strict rules on how often they check the booking service. The agency warned that repeatedly refreshing or attempting to search too frequently over a short period can trigger safety blocks.
Rules for searching and booking
Users trying to bypass queues using multiple devices simultaneously face automated restrictions. Over-searching can lead to a "search limit reached" warning or a temporary suspension from using the service. If you see an "Error 15" message, it means you are completely blocked from using the service and must contact the DVSA.
Once you select a driving test appointment and accept the timing warning, you have 15 minutes to complete your booking. The appointment might no longer be available if you do not complete your booking within this time. The service will sign you out if you are inactive for 30 minutes.
Upcoming appointment releases
Here are the upcoming appointment releases, according to the DVSA:
- Monday, 26 October: Tests available for the week beginning 5 April, 2027
- Monday, 2 November: Tests available for the week beginning 12 April, 2027
- Monday, 9 November: Tests available for the week beginning 19 April, 2027
- Monday, 16 November: Tests available for the week beginning 26 April, 2027
- Monday, 23 November: Tests available for the week beginning 3 May, 2027
New data released last week showed significant progress has been made over recent months on reducing the record backlog of people waiting for tests. This time last year, the average waiting time for a learner driver to sit their test was around 22 to 24 weeks. As of September 2026, learners in the UK are waiting an average of 19.7 weeks for a driving test – the lowest it's been since November 2024.
Progress on waiting times
DVSA conducted 191,682 tests and the pass rate remained above 50 per cent for the 10th consecutive month. Alongside this, official data shows DVSA conducted more than 2.16 million practical driving tests in the 12 months to September, making it the highest rolling 12-month figure on record.
Speaking last week, a DVSA spokesperson said: "We're committed to reducing waiting times and real progress is being made for learner drivers across the country. Waiting times are at their lowest point since November 2024 and examiner numbers are at their highest level since November 2017. We also conducted more tests last month than any September on record."
They added: "We know there's more to do and we won't stop until every learner can get a test slot when they need one, wherever they're learning to drive." You can book a driving test on the government website.
