W
e are told that young people aren’t interested in driving but, according to the latest figures, driving tests have never been so in demand. Between January and May 2025, the number of test centres with a maximum possible waiting time of 24 weeks rose from 161 to 258 locations, accounting for 81 per cent of the total.
The average waiting time across all test centres is now 22 weeks, up from 14 weeks in February 2024, according to AA Driving School, which obtained the figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The driving test backlog is primarily due to a surge in demand following the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to test cancellations and suspensions. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said in April the Labour government had inherited an enormous backlog but was acting fast.
Nerves can get the better of us
