DVSA chaos as driving test backlog hits new high - 100k more bookings than last year

Learner drivers in Britain could be set for further delays in securing important exams with the UK driving test backlog continuing to grow. New figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed that a whopping 631,472 future practical driving tests were booked as of the end of May.

According to data, this was up from 527,368 tests at the same stage last year showing an increase in demand. The news is set to be a blow to Labour who promised to cut practical driving test delays. Last year, the DVSA set out a seven point plan to reduce test waiting times in a sole focus to help new drivers get their driving licence.

Despite an increase in the number of bookings, data also suggests the number of tests being conducted has fallen.

Just 757,867 driving tests were taken by learners between January and May, a figure that was down on the 877,387 tests last year.

However, there was some positive news with data suggesting more learner drivers were passing the test.

May’s pass rate came in at 50.2%, an increase on the 48.9% recorded back in May 2024.

The total is even the highest monthly figure since August 2021 when pass rates stood at 50.3%.

Previous analysis from the AA Driving School found that the average waiting time for a test was 20 weeks.

However, the increased backlog could see this extended in a blow to learner drivers desperate to secure their certificates.

Last year, the DVSA confirmed plans to recruit and train an additional 450 driving examiners.

Meanwhile, officials have tightened up rules around booking driving tests with learner drivers now required to give up to 10 days' notice of a cancellation.

Last December, Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, announced a focus on ending "sky-high waiting times”

She added: “No one should have to wait 6 months when they’re ready to pass, travel to the other side of the country to take a driving test, or be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can’t afford to wait.”