Learner drivers in parts of the UK are facing long waits for a practical driving test, with new figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) highlighting the worst-affected areas. Seven of the 10 worst areas are in Scotland, according to the RAC.
Scottish centres dominate top 10
The DVSA analysed data from 313 driving test centres, with Scottish locations taking the top three spots. The latest figures, for June 2026, show the national average wait was 17.3 weeks, while 60 test centres had waits of 17.3 weeks or longer.
Published on August 12, the RAC notes that the latest report from the motoring agency shows areas in Birmingham and London also feature in the worst-impacted areas.
The 10 longest waiting times
These are the average waiting times between booking and taking a driving test, as explained by the RAC:
- Forfar (Scotland) – 29.7 weeks
- Callander (Scotland) – 27.7 weeks
- Arbroath (Scotland) – 27 weeks
- Bedford (England) – 25.1 weeks
- Leighton Buzzard (England) – 24 weeks
- Dunoon (Scotland) – 23.9 weeks
- Hawick (Scotland) – 23.6 weeks
- Livingston (Scotland) – 23.1 weeks
- Pinner (England) – 23.1 weeks
- Edinburgh-Currie (Scotland) – 23 weeks
DVSA action on waiting times
The DVSA has stressed that it is taking action to help lower waiting times for drivers. It reassures learners and instructors: "This transparency commitment builds on the steps we’re already taking to improve waiting times.
"Between June 2025 and May 2026, we did close to a quarter of a million extra car driving tests compared to the same time the previous year. Driving examiner numbers are at their highest level since 2019.
"We’ve changed the booking rules to protect your pupils from exploitation by unofficial services and resellers. We've stopped it being possible to hoard tests at a test centre with no intention of taking tests there, only to move them elsewhere in the country.
"We recognise that many learners are still experiencing extended waits, and we're not complacent about that. Our goal remains to reduce waiting times across Great Britain. Publishing this richer data openly and regularly means you - and your pupils - can track our progress honestly, centre by centre."
The changes to the driving test booking rules are detailed in the DVSA's webinar and Q&A recap.
