**Driving Test Waits Hit Two-Year Low, But Learners Still Face Five-Month Average Wait**
Learner drivers across the country are seeing a slight improvement in the notoriously long waits for a practical driving test, with average delays falling to a two-year low. However, despite this reduction, aspiring motorists still face an average wait of nearly five months for their test.
According to the latest data, learner drivers in September had to wait an average of 19.7 weeks, or roughly five months, for a practical driving test slot. While this figure highlights a persistent challenge for those eager to get on the road, it marks the lowest average waiting time recorded in two years, suggesting that efforts to clear the post-pandemic backlog are beginning to yield results.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been grappling with unprecedented demand and a significant backlog exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns, which halted tests and lessons for extended periods. This led to waiting times soaring well beyond the current average, causing considerable frustration and additional costs for learners who often needed to take extra lessons to maintain their skills.
Despite the positive trend of decreasing wait times, the average of 20 weeks (or 19.7 weeks in September) still represents a substantial delay for individuals relying on a driving licence for employment opportunities, independence, or family responsibilities. The DVSA has reportedly been working to increase examiner capacity, including recruiting new staff and offering overtime, to further reduce the backlog.
While the fall to a two-year low offers a glimmer of hope, the continued lengthy waits mean that securing a practical driving test remains a significant hurdle for tens of thousands of learner drivers nationwide.
