Learner drivers face rising frustration as the sensible driving check backlog hits an unprecedented 603,352, in line with newly analysed DVSA knowledge.
Figures from the PA information company present almost 100,000 extra checks are booked in comparison with the identical time final yr, up from 521,190 in April 2024. But, regardless of rising demand, fewer checks are being carried out. Between January and April 2025, 610,000 checks had been accomplished – a 15% lower from the 718,000 checks in the identical interval final yr.
This decline follows a short lived improve in examiner numbers between October 2023 and March 2024, when DVSA reassigned workers to frontline testing roles. Nonetheless, these assets have since been returned to their authentic duties.
On a constructive word, move charges are enhancing, suggesting extra candidates are ready till they’re really test-ready.
DVSA attributes the persistent backlog to each “elevated demand and a change in clients’ reserving behaviour.”
Authorities Response
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged the “monumental backlog” inherited by the brand new Labour authorities. She confirmed motion is being taken to make not less than 10,000 extra checks obtainable every month, aiming to cut back common ready instances to seven weeks by summer time 2026.
With present waits averaging 20 weeks, in line with AA Driving Faculty knowledge, pressing reforms are deliberate. A session on driving check reserving system adjustments will likely be launched shortly, designed to fight bots mass-booking slots for resale at inflated costs. The session interval will likely be shortened to eight weeks to expedite change.
Further measures embody:
- Extra time incentives for examiners to conduct extra checks.
- Re-deployment of certified DVSA workers again to testing roles.
- Doubling the variety of everlasting trainers for brand spanking new examiners.
Business Perspective
Final month, Carly Brookfield, CEO of the Driving Instructors Affiliation (DIA) and present chair of the Nationwide Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP), led one other assembly with DVSA’s senior administration staff, following an official letter despatched on to the company’s Chief Govt. That letter, shared with ministers and the Transport Choose Committee, didn’t maintain again. It criticised the dearth of progress, the silence from DVSA, and the rising strain on trainers and pupils alike.
“We’ve gone from Groundhog Day to disaster mode,” stated Carly Brookfield in a latest video submit. “And the seven-point plan simply isn’t delivering the affect it must. It’s time for DVSA to behave.”
Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving Faculty, stated: “Learner drivers have waited lengthy sufficient for an enchancment to the prolonged ready instances to safe a sensible check slot, it shouldn’t be this tough to guide your driving check.”
A Division for Transport spokesperson added: “The present backlog dealing with learner drivers is totally unacceptable, however we’re taking decisive motion to handle the state of affairs inherited from the earlier authorities.”
Initially sourced from The Unbiased
