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Why Are Driving Test Waiting Times So Long?
14-24 weeks is the current average wait. Here's why — and what you can do about it right now.
COVID backlog
Tests were suspended for months during lockdowns, creating a backlog of 500,000+ learners. The DVSA has never fully caught up.
Examiner shortage
The DVSA doesn't have enough driving examiners. Recruitment and training takes time — new examiners need months of preparation.
Record demand
More people are learning to drive than ever. Post-pandemic, many people who delayed learning are now booking tests simultaneously.
Bot abuse
Third-party services using bots snapped up test slots, making it harder for individual learners to book. New DVSA rules in 2026 aim to stop this.
Don't wait — swap
Another learner might want your date. Swap for an earlier slot — free on Swappy.