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Image: NE Driving Solutions Ltd.

Driving test delays have become a significant issue in the UK, with over three-quarters of test centers facing wait times of more than three months. Despite efforts to tackle the backlog, including the addition of 150,000 extra test slots, waiting times have crept back up.

Temporary Improvements and the Current Situation

Initially, the extra test slots brought some relief. By January, the percentage of centers with three-month delays dropped from 81% in October to 57%. However, by May, the delays had surged again, with 77% of centers reporting wait times of over three months. The average waiting time also increased from 14.5 weeks in January to 17.8 weeks by May. This is still far higher than the pre-pandemic average of six weeks.

Concerns from the Driving Industry

The driving industry is concerned that without long-term solutions, the delays will only worsen. Camilla Benitz, Managing Director of the AA Driving School, pointed out that short-term fixes are not enough. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has noted that many learners are booking tests prematurely, often before they are truly ready, leading to a high number of failed tests and further delays.

The Growing Black Market Problem

Adding to the problem, a black market has emerged where individuals use bots to secure test slots, which they then resell for a profit. MPs have called for government intervention to tackle this issue.

Calls for Systemic Changes

Driving schools and industry experts are calling for more comprehensive measures, including better recruitment and retention of examiners. The DVSA has responded with initiatives like the “Ready to Pass” campaign, aiming to ensure that learners are better prepared for their tests, which should help reduce waiting times.

According to Lewis Bishop from Shift Driving School, students are often booking tests in a panic, sometimes before they’ve even had sufficient—or in some cases, any—lessons. Additionally, many candidates opt to take tests in private cars without being fully prepared, further exacerbating the situation. Bishop noted that while the Gateshead center now has more examiners than it did last year, the bottleneck persists. “Something needs to be done,” he said, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address the ongoing delays.

What Can You Do to Help?

Here are a few practical steps that can help reduce driving test delays:

  1. Book Your Test Only When You’re Ready: Make sure your driving instructor agrees that you’re ready to take the test. Booking prematurely can lead to failed attempts, which just adds to the backlog.
  2. Cancel If You Can’t Attend: If you know you won’t be able to attend your test, cancel it as early as possible. This frees up the slot for someone else who is ready.
  3. Stick to Your Local Area: Don’t travel across the country for a test. This not only clogs up the system but also makes it harder for locals to get slots in their own area.
  4. Avoid Using Bots or Third-Party Services: These services contribute to the problem by creating a black market for test slots. Instead, book your test directly through the DVSA, your Driving Instructor or Driving School.
100% recommend Shift to anyone looking to learn. Simon is an excellent instructor, so calm and confident, took his time to understand me and how I learn best so that I could become a confident driver. Passed today with only 1 minor fault!
Great instructors, Hassan got me passed really fast and even managed to move my test to a sooner date! Super patient and great at explaining. Would highly recommend.
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
I had a great experience learning to drive with Shift and my instructor, Ciaran. As an anxious driver, I really appreciated his patience, encouragement, and support, which helped me build up my confidence behind the wheel. The booking app was also very convenient and easy to use, and Ciaran was always flexible and accommodating with my availability. Thanks to his help, I passed my driving test on the first try. Big thank you to Shift and especially to Ciaran for all the support!
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
My experience using Shift Driving School in Gateshead has been outstanding from start to finish.

My instructor, Simon Houghton, was incredibly patient, personable, and knowledgeable. He explained everything clearly, tailored lessons to my pace, and kept me calm with encouraging, constructive feedback.

His local knowledge and practical tips made a huge difference, and my confidence grew every week.

Thanks to Simon’s guidance, I’ve just passed my driving test and feel ready to drive independently.

I’d highly recommend Shift driving School—especially Simon—to anyone in Gateshead looking for a supportive, professional instructor and great results.
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
Super organised with their own app which helps you fit your lessons in whenever you like. Lewis is so patient and supportive and very calming when you’re just beginning. He has really developed my confidence and I couldn’t recommend Shift and Lewis enough!
Lewis is a great instructor very patient, clear, and encouraging he made learning to drive feel easy and enjoyable highly recommend.
I passed my test today and would like to thank my instructor, Mr. Hassan. He has been incredibly kind, patient, and clear in his explanations, which made the whole learning experience truly positive. Throughout my journey, I had only one instructor and never felt the need to change, thanks to the excellent guidance I received. I’m also grateful to the Shift team for making everything smooth and convenient through the mobile application.