Waiting times for driving tests remain a big issue.

The Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) states that it is working hard to reduce them.

However, the public awareness of the delays for testing mean that booking behaviours are changing too and exacerbating the issues.

When you’re ready

DVSA believes too many learner drivers are booking their test before they are ready.

Lengthy waiting times mean they are booking ahead to secure a test date, long before they have reached test standard.

This, in turn, is leading to high numbers of test failures.

It not only means that test slots are being used by those not ready, those failing the test are then rebooking for a second or third test, increasing the lack of test availability overall.

The national average driving test pass rate for January 2024 was 47.2 % .

1 in 5 learners admit that they only felt somewhat prepared for their driving test when they took it.

Help and understanding

To help address this issue, DVSA is launching its second round of the Ready to Pass? campaign.

It intends to raise awareness of the issues and the need to bee at test standard before booking.

This will ease the demand for test slots and help reduce waiting times.

Ready To Pass? provides learner drivers and those supporting them tools and resources.

These include:

  • learning the 27 skills they need to pass their test and be a safe driver
  • tips on how to manage their test and driving nerves
  • encouraging them to have a realistic mock test
  • promoting the benefits of taking private practice between driving lessons

Free and freeing

This activity aims to extend the reach and awareness of the campaign and the free resources for learner drivers.

Messages to learner drivers, their family and friends and their approved driving instructor hopes to  encourage them to access the useful resources available and only book a test when they are sure they at the appropriate standard.

Adverts will run on websites, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Reddit and on sponsored search results in Google.

All of them signpost audiences to the Ready to Pass? campaign website and the resources, tools and tips available to them.