Driving test bookings delayed at 9 in 10 UK centres

New research by the AA highlights that learner drivers face booking delays at the vast majority of driving test centres across the UK.

DVSA Driving Test Delays 2023

The AA has revealed the huge delays faced by learner drivers when it comes to booking practical driving tests.

Across the UK, some 66 towns and cities see drivers face a wait of more than five months to book a test. More than 88 percent of test centres have waiting times in excess of seven weeks. 

The exclusive data from AA Driving School was obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, highlighting the poor availability of driving tests.

Practically impossible delays

DVSA Driving Test Delays 2023

Many of the delays can be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in driving tests being suspended across the UK. This created a backlog of practical tests, leaving centres struggling to meet demand. 

The AA’s investigation also exposes regional differences, made worse by the DVSA’s system for booking a test

A driver booking a practical test in Swansea would need to wait 20 weeks, but one in Llanelli is available within 10 weeks. Those in Kent could book a test in Canterbury for a fortnight’s time, but nearby Herne Bay requires a nine-week wait. 

Camilla Benitz, MD of the AA Driving School, said: “There is no easy way for candidates to check availability at multiple test centres without checking each one manually. A better system could save many weeks of waiting, as our data showed wait times varied between some local test centres by as much as three months.

“We’d like to see test centre wait-time data published regularly by the DVSA to help ensure there is full accountability in getting back to pre-pandemic waiting times.”

Slow progress being made

DVSA Driving Test Delays 2023

Prior to coronavirus lockdowns, the average time from booking a driving test online to undertaking the practical element was six weeks. 

Transport minister Richard Holden MP said in a parliamentary debate earlier this month: “The average waiting time to take a car test is at 15.1 weeks, with over 80,000 slots currently available”.

However, the AA highlights this shows little improvement from data it obtained in November 2022. At that point, the average wait for a practical driving test was 15.5 weeks. 

Camilla Benitz added: “It’s good there has been an update in Commons on some of the waiting times, but we now need to see some clear action to bring these waiting times right down.”

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John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

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