Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLearner drivers are still waiting up to 20 weeks for a practical test (PA Archive)Learner drivers in Britain face average wait times of 20 weeks to book a practical test, according to the latest DVSA figures. Targets to reduce waiting times to seven weeks have been repeatedly missed, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander admitting previous deadlines were unachievable. DVSA chief executive Beverley Warmington acknowledged that delays remain too long, but stated that tackling the backlog remains a top priority. Strict new rules have been introduced to curb black market slot hoarding, restricting bookings to candidates and limiting centre choices. Despite the persistent backlog, the DVSA conducted a record 2.13 million practical tests in the 12 months leading up to August 2026. In fullLearner drivers still facing 20-week wait to book practical testMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why learner drivers are still waiting months for practical tests
Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLearner drivers are still waiting up to 20 weeks for a practical test (PA Archive)Learner drivers in Britain face average wait times of 20 weeks to book a practical test, according to the latest DVSA figures. Targets to reduce waiting times to seven weeks have been repeatedly missed, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander admitting previous deadlines were unachievable. DVSA chief executive Beverley Warmington acknowledged that delays remain too long, but stated that tackling the backlog remains a top priority. Strict new rules have been introduced to curb black market slot hoarding, restricting bookings to candidates and limiting centre choices. Despite the persistent backlog, the DVSA conducted a record 2.13 million practical tests in the 12 months leading up to August 2026. In fullLearner drivers still facing 20-week wait to book practical testMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
