New figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show significant progress in reducing waiting times for practical driving tests. Learners in the UK are now waiting an average of 19.7 weeks for a driving test, the lowest since November 2024, down from around 22–24 weeks this time last year.
Record test numbers and examiner recruitment
The DVSA conducted 191,682 tests in September 2026, with the pass rate remaining above 50% for the 10th consecutive month. Official data also shows more than 2.16 million practical driving tests were conducted in the 12 months to September 2026, the highest rolling 12-month figure on record.
The agency took several measures to tackle the backlog, including recruiting more examiners and bringing in military driving examiners to assist civilian testing. The DVSA also restricted booking so only the learner driver could manage their appointment, blocking instructors or third-party reseller agencies, and limited test centre changes to the three closest centres from the original booking to prevent long-distance slot-swapping.
Government and DVSA response
Roads Minister Justin Madders said: "We inherited record waiting times and a significant backlog, and while driving test waiting times are still not where we want them to be, these figures show real progress is being made. It's clear the action we're taking is delivering results, helping more learners get their licence and enjoy the opportunities that come with being able to drive."
A DVSA spokesperson added: "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. However, 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."
Advice for learners seeking earlier slots
Earlier this week, the DVSA updated its advice on how tests are released and how candidates should search for earlier test slots. According to the latest figures, half of all learners who sat a test in August waited no more than 11.1 weeks for their appointment.
The DVSA confirmed that a new week of driving test appointments is released every Monday at 6am, including on bank holidays, 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, stating: "Earlier driving test appointments are not released at 6am on Mondays. They can become available at any time during the week."
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.
