Learner drivers still waiting 20 weeks to book tests – BBC News
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Learner drivers still waiting 20 weeks to book tests
Image source:
[Getty Images]
By
Emer Moreau
,
Business reporter
and
Katy Austin
,
Transport correspondent
Published 9 September 2026, 09:50 BST
Updated Just now
Learner drivers have to wait an average 20 weeks before booking a practical test, according to new figures, despite attempts to reduce delays.
The data from the
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
for August is only a marginal improvement from an 20.2 weeks in July.
The average wait time between booking and sitting a test is unchanged at 11.1 weeks.
The DVSA initially had a target of reducing the average waiting time to seven weeks by the end of last year. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander pushed the target back to summer 2026, but subsequently admitted even that would not be possible.
Changes to its practical driving test booking system earlier this year include:
- Only the learner driver themself is now able to book their driving test, blocking an instructor or third parties from booking using the learner’s details.
- A geographical restriction meaning a learner can only book a test at their three local test centres.
- A limitation on how many times a would-be driver can swap a test date.
‘More to do‘
The DVSA said on Wednesday that more than 2.13 million practical driving tests took place in the 12 months to August 2026 – the highest rolling 12-month figure on record.
DVSA chief executive Beverley Warmington said:
"There’s more to do and we’re not going to stop until every learner can get a fair test slot when they need one but today’s figures show our plan is working."
Related topics
- UK driving licence
- Driving test booking is changing for learner drivers
