UK Driving Test Delays 2025: What Learner Drivers Need To Know

If you're one of the many learner drivers looking to schedule a practical exam, you've probably noticed the UK driving test delays in 2025. With over 630,000 students waiting for a test, getting a date has never been more difficult. These delays are primarily due to the pandemic's impact, a lack of examiners, and some sneaky bots stealing test slots. In this article, we'll explain what's causing the backlog, what the DVSA is doing to fix it, and how you can beat the wait and get your test done faster.

Driving test times in the UK in 2025 have become longer than ever. As of June, more than 630,000 student drivers were stuck in the system, with average delays of 4 to 6 months. Wait times in some areas range from 15 to 22 weeks, but some test centres are seeing delays of up to 24 weeks. This has been caused by a number of factors, including pandemic-related cancellations that left nearly 1 million test slots unused, a shortage of driving examiners, and bots bulk-booking slots to resell for a high price. For many, it feels like there are simply no driving tests available anytime soon.

The DVSA is taking steps to address the driving test shortage in the UK. They have launched a recovery plan to reduce the long wait times. This includes hiring 450 new examiners and adding 10,000 additional test slots every month. They're also working to prevent bots from booking tests by tightening eligibility criteria and requiring at least 10 days' notice for cancellations. While these steps aim to reduce the wait time to seven weeks by summer 2026, that is still a year away. So, if you're wondering why are there no driving tests available UK, the DVSA is doing everything possible, but progress takes time.

The UK driving test backlog has been frustrating for many learners, but there are ways to speed up the process. One of the safest ways is to ask your accredited driving instructor (ADI) to book your test. If they're registered on the Government Gateway website, they can often secure a spot more quickly than you could on your own, especially if you're struggling to find available slots.

Another option is an intensive driving course, which includes a practical test at the end. You might pass in a week, but keep in mind that it can be stressful because you have to pass the first time. Most people need about 45 hours of lessons to feel fully prepared, so make sure you're ready for the fast pace.

If those options don't suit you, try testing at a centre further from home. Some areas, like Wales, have shorter wait times—around 12 weeks, compared to major cities like London, where waits can stretch to 23 weeks. It may be worth travelling a bit further for an earlier test date.

Finally, the DVSA is working to reduce the backlog by shifting examiners to high-demand areas, which should help reduce wait times over time.

Booking your driving test online can be tricky, but avoiding a few mistakes will make things easier. One mistake is using brokers who grab test slots with bots and sell them for high prices—sometimes over £200! A normal test costs much less, £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings or weekends.

Another mistake is using unofficial apps to find earlier test dates. While they might seem helpful, they aren't approved by the DVSA. These apps can miss important updates, like changes to your test date, and they may put your personal data at risk. Always keep your driving licence number safe.

To avoid these issues, always book through the official GOV.UK website, as it ensures the security of your personal information. And do a UK car reg check to make sure everything about your car is in order. 

Waiting for your driving test can feel like forever, but there are some strategies to help speed things up. First, be flexible about where you book. Smaller towns or areas farther from your home often have shorter wait times. You can also use cancellation checker apps such as Driving Test Cancellations 4 All or Testi, but be careful—some are paid. Another tip is to book during off-peak times, such as midweek mornings or lunchtime, when there are fewer people looking for a spot. If you're stuck, try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to avoid any interruptions while looking for cancellations. Finally, don't mind going a little further. Booking a test 30-60 miles away might get you an earlier spot.