Backlog of learner drivers waiting for tests hits new high
Backlog of learner drivers waiting for tests hits new high
It comes as the UK Government has announced a number of measures to tackle the issue
The waiting list of UK learner drivers waiting to take their practical test has now exceeded 600,000, the RAC reports. It means it is the longest queue ever recorded, according to new statistics.
At the end of April 2025, 603,352 future driving tests had been booked. The findings are based on an analysis of Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data, and represents a 16% increase from 521,190 at the same time last year. A total of 610,000 practical driving tests were completed between January and April, which is down from 718,000 in the first four months of last year.
UK Government transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, called on the DVSA to ramp up its efforts to reduce waiting times and enhance access to driving tests as part of the government's Plan for Change.
And to facilitate more driving tests and reduce these barriers, she announced several key measures.
Individuals in other DVSA roles who are qualified to conduct driving tests will be asked to return "to the frontline" to assist with practical driving assessments.
And the number of permanent trainers will be doubled in order to quickly upskill new driving examiners.
Ms Alexander said: 'We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-plates but being forced to endure record waiting time for their tests.
'We simply cannot deliver on our Plan for Change if thousands remain held back, with their aspirations on pause.
'I am instructing DVSA to take further action immediately to reduce waiting times which will see thousands of additional tests made available every month. We're acting fast to get Britain's drivers moving.'
Five Welsh test centres had waits recorded of 24 weeks on February 3, which is the maximum wait.
These are in Llanishen in Cardiff, Newport, Rhyl, Bangor, and Newtown, according to data from a freedom of information request to the DVSA by the AA Driving School.
It shows the average waiting time to book a driving test has steadily risen in the last year from 14.8 weeks in February 2024 to 20 weeks in February 2025.
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Elsewhere in Wales Pembroke Dock is the testing centre with by far the lowest wait at four weeks, followed by Pwllheli on five weeks.
The following is an at-a-glance guide on the waiting list for driving tests across Wales, recorded on February 3, from most to least weeks. Click here to read more.
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