Why are Driving Test Wait Times so Long?

If you’ve been to book a driving test recently, then you might have been surprised at just how long you’re expected to wait. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, waiting times averaged at around six weeks. Since then, they’ve been stable at around fifteen weeks.

Given that the lockdowns ended more than a year ago, you might be forgiven for thinking that things should have gotten back to normal by now. So, what’s the delay?

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What’s causing the backlog?

According to transport minister Richard Holden, the waiting list is actually coming down fairly rapidly, and the DVSA has added around 300,000 new slots to help make this happen. There are, however, sure to be a few bumps in the road as we get back to recovery.

Examiner striking makes delays even longer

In March 2023, strike action by examiners is likely to drive up waiting times – or at least, slow the decline. This action is being taken by the PCS union, which is seeking better pay, pensions and working conditions for its members.

They’re set to be held in different parts of the country at different times. Only a few test centres will be affected, but the overall reduction in testing capacity will be felt by just about everyone.

Where are the best places to book a test?

In some parts of the country, the waiting times are much longer than they are elsewhere. In Wales, you might wait less than six weeks; in Yorkshire, you might wait for three times that.

If you’re willing to travel to take the test, or you’ve got a trip planned to a low-demand part of the country, then it might be worth booking a test to coincide with it. Just bear in mind that you won’t be able to prepare as extensively as you would if you were taking the test in a familiar place.

How to increase your chances of passing

If you’re going to have to wait to take your test, then you’ll want to give yourself the best possible chance of passing. After all, if waiting is bad, then having to wait twice will be even worse!

Get to know your test routes, and rehearse them. It may even be worth shopping around for learner driver insurance so that you can take a car out for additional practice sessions. Make sure that everything is second nature – but don’t get overconfident!

Drill those important manoeuvres, and get into the habit of checking your mirrors in the most conspicuous, exaggerated way you can get away with. You might also look to book your test at a time of day when the roads are less busy. All of these little tricks, collectively, will improve your chances on the day itself. Good luck!

David Prior

David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.