What's happened
The UK faces a significant backlog in driving tests, with average wait times reaching 20 weeks. The government has pledged to increase test availability and combat booking bots, but challenges remain. Learners are frustrated as they struggle to secure appointments, impacting their ability to gain independence and employment.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
The driving test backlog in the UK has reached a critical point, with average wait times now at 20 weeks, significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. This situation is exacerbated by the exploitation of the booking system by bots and middlemen, who purchase test slots and resell them at inflated prices.
Government Response
In response, the government has announced plans to increase the number of driving tests available by at least 10,000 per month. However, skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of these measures, particularly concerning the recruitment of sufficient examiners to meet the demand.
Implications for Learners
The delays not only hinder the independence of young drivers but also impact their employment opportunities. Many learners are forced to pay for additional lessons to remain test-ready, further increasing their financial burden. The situation calls for urgent reforms to ensure fair access to driving tests and to protect learners from exploitation.
What the papers say
According to Mabel Banfield-Nwachi in The Guardian, the average wait time for a driving test has reached 20 weeks, with the government promising to make thousands of extra tests available each month. However, the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, acknowledged that the target of reducing wait times to seven weeks by summer 2026 may not be met, as reported by Gwyn Topham in The Guardian.
Chris Bryant from Bloomberg highlights that the average wait has increased to a record 22 weeks, compared to just six weeks before the pandemic. Meanwhile, The Independent reports that bots and middlemen are exploiting the system, leading to inflated prices for test slots, which has frustrated many learners, as noted by Sara Thornton, a mother of a learner driver.
The Mirror's Dave Burke emphasizes the government's commitment to tackle the backlog, but also points out the skepticism surrounding the effectiveness of these measures, particularly regarding the availability of examiners. This sentiment is echoed by driving instructor Donna Michelle Evans, who expressed doubts about the government's ability to resolve the crisis effectively.
How we got here
The backlog in driving tests has escalated due to increased demand post-pandemic and a shortage of examiners. The average wait time has risen dramatically, leading to frustrations among learner drivers and calls for government intervention to address the crisis.
Go deeper
- What are the reasons for the driving test backlog?
- How are learners affected by the delays?
- What measures is the government taking to resolve the issue?
Common question
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What is the UK Government Doing About the Driving Test Backlog?
The UK is currently facing a significant backlog in driving tests, with waiting times soaring to an average of 20 weeks. This situation has raised concerns among new drivers and those eager to get on the road. In response, the government has announced several measures aimed at alleviating this crisis. Below, we explore the government's plans, the reasons behind the backlog, and how it affects aspiring drivers.
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What is the UK Government Doing About the Driving Test Backlog?
The UK is currently facing a significant backlog in driving tests, causing frustration among learner drivers. With waiting times averaging 20 weeks, many are eager to know what measures the government is implementing to alleviate this issue. Below, we address common questions surrounding the driving test backlog and what it means for aspiring drivers.
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What is Causing the Backlog in UK Driving Tests?
The UK is currently facing a significant backlog in driving tests, leading to long wait times for learner drivers. With average waits reaching up to 20 weeks, many are left wondering what has caused this crisis and what solutions are being implemented. Below, we explore the key factors contributing to this issue and the steps being taken to address it.
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Why is there a 20-week backlog for driving tests in the UK?
The UK is currently facing a significant backlog in driving tests, with wait times soaring to 20 weeks. This situation has left many learners frustrated and questioning the government's response. Below, we explore the causes of this crisis, the measures being taken to address it, and the impact on those waiting for their driving licenses.
More on these topics
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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport.
It carries out driving tests, approves people to be driving instructors and MOT testers, carries out tests to make sure lorries and buses are safe to drive,
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Heidi Alexander is a British politician who is the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport under Sadiq Khan and Deputy Chair of Transport for London.