Government takes action to clear driving test backlog

Richard Aucock, Contributor
Tue, 29 Apr 2025

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has announced the government is introducing new measures to deliver at least 10,000 extra driving tests a month.

The government will also double training capacity for driving examiners and crack down on test-buying bots.

The new measures will hopefully reduce driving test waiting times after the government was criticised by the Transport Select Committee for driving tests being in ‘turmoil’.

It also follows reports of a rise in driving test reseller scams.

Such delays are doubly frustrating for learner drivers, with latest data showing the perfect-score pass rate is at a record high.

The transport secretary says she has "instructed the DVSA to intensify its efforts to reduce waiting times" while giving a target to cut waiting times to seven weeks by summer 2026.

Nearly two million driving tests were delivered in 2024 but Alexander said the government inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-plates but being forced to ensure record waiting times for their test.

"We simply cannot deliver on our Plan for Change if thousands remain held back, with their aspirations on pause," says Alexander.

She insists the new measures will see thousands of additional tests made available every month with the DVSA even set to bring back to the frontline those in other roles who are qualified to examine.

Overtime pay incentives will be reintroduced for everyone delivering driving tests. The DVSA additional Testing Award scheme will reopen for up to 18 months.

The government organisation says progress has already been made, with more than 100 new examiners recruited as part of a DVSA 7-point plan to reduce waiting times.

"This will help us to accelerate those measures, including expanding training capacity for newly recruited driving examiners so more of them can start carrying out driving tests sooner," says driving services director Pauline Reeves

The government will also accelerate consultation into investigating the potential abuse of the driving test booking system, to prevent bots from accessing tests. The aim is to roll out an improved system in May.

Ask HJ

What are the rules for L plates at night?

Are there any regulations on a learner diver being instructed at night? I overtook one, the weather was poor and the L plate was almost invisible, if it can't be seen then what's the point in having it at all?

In the UK there are no restrictions regarding learner drivers practicing at night, other than the same restrictions that apply during the day - the learner must have appropriate insurance, a provisional licence and be accompanied by a suitably qualified driver.

Answered by David Ross

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