The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has reported that driving test waiting times in Great Britain fell for a sixth consecutive month in October 2026, with the average wait now at 19.2 weeks – the lowest level since September 2024, when it stood at 19 weeks.
The agency conducted 198,111 tests in October, 15,679 more than in October 2025, marking the highest monthly total ever recorded. Of those, 100,584 learners passed, making it only the second time more than 100,000 people have passed in a single month. The pass rate has now remained above 50% for 11 straight months.
Record test numbers and examiner boost
Over the last 12 months, the DVSA said it conducted a record 2,177,511 tests, supported by examiner numbers now at their highest level since July 2017. As of October 2026, 592,010 standard tests had been booked for future dates.
Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “Driving test waiting times are still far from where they should be, but it's clear that with waiting times falling for six months in a row now that the decisive action that this Government has taken and the continuous work of the DVSA is making a real difference. Learners can look forward to more good news in the coming months.”
Commitment to further reductions
A DVSA spokesperson said: “We know that many learners are still waiting too long to take their driving test and get on the road and we're committed to changing that. But it's an encouraging sign that waiting times have now fallen for the sixth consecutive month and over 100,000 learners passed in October.
“There's still more to do, and our focus remains on sustaining this progress and continuing to reduce waiting times across Great Britain, including by making additional tests available every month.”
Since March 2026, the DVSA has taken enforcement action against those found to be breaking the rules, limited how far appointments can be moved, created a process to suspend online booking access where accounts are found to be misusing the service (alongside a review process for those decisions), introduced a way for people to report suspected test resellers and misuse, introduced identity checks and consent requirements when tests are swapped, limited how often appointments can be changed, and required learners to book their own driving test.
