Candidates for the driving test travel longer distances to ensure a test spot.

Thousands are travelling over 100 miles each year.

According to a new report, longer routes to driving independence are becoming increasingly commonplace.

Time travel

Learner drivers could travel 25 miles for a driving test by 2030.

As waiting lists groan under the weight of demand, the driving school car is predominantly taking the strain as candidates travel far and wide to secure a test centre booking.

This is the conclusion of a new report by learner driver insurance broker, Marmalade.

It reveals the scale of the problem as demand outstrips supply at the local test centre.

On the move

Through multiple Freedom of Information requests (FOI) over a six-month period and an analysis of more than six million records between 2019 and 2023, the data has revealed a bleak reality for learners.

For the most recent full year – 2023 – the average distance travelled across the UK by learners for a test was 12.33 miles.

It represents a 48% increase in the distance travelled in 2019 (8.33 miles).

Whilst it may seem a moderate mileage, the distance is increasing quickly with little sign of slowing.

The data revealed that distances across the UK are increasing by 10.30% per year on average.

If this rate of growth continues, by 2030, learners could travel around 25 miles for a test (24.49).

This would represent a 194% increase in the distance travelled in 2019.

The complete data for the UK between 2019 and 2030 can be found here.

Geographical grind

The research also reveals stark regional variations in the distance candidates travel for tests.

In 2023 learners in the South East of the UK travelled further than anyone else.

They averaged 13.9 miles, while those in the North West only had to travel an average of 7.1 miles.

In fact, there were 164 test centres across the UK in 2023, and the average distance travelled to reach them was above the national average.

But London leads the way in terms of the rise in distances.

Here, mileage increased from 7.7 miles in 2019 to 17.7 miles in 2023.

This represents a 130.77% increase, growing on average by 23.25% each year.

The report reveals similar year-on-year growth in the South East (21.2%) and the East of England (12.95%).

It is an indication that learners in these three regions are increasingly struggling with driving test waiting times.

Added nerves

This adds another layer of pressure on candidates, increasing stress, worry, and nerves on the big day.

Driving instructors must also deal with this issue when keeping pupils on track and focused on learning to drive.

Mark Steeples from Pass Mark School of Driving says he’s “astonished” by the increasing distances and “amazed” at the year-on-year increases.

“I suppose it shows the desperation that people have in wanting to learn how to drive,” says Steeples. “And they’ll go to any means necessary to do it.”

Are you ready?

Learners travelling to the Heckmondwike test centre in Kirklees, West Yorkshire are making the shortest journey in the UK.

Candidates average a distance of 3.82 miles to reach their test centre.

Meanwhile, the 2023 records also revealed that one learner travelled from Exeter, all the way to Shetland for a test.

This adds up to an eye watering 647 mile journey for a test.

With that level of pre-test driving practice, let’s hope he passed!

A further 34,614 learners travelled more than 100 miles for a test.

Steeples admitted that he’d had enquiries from people wanting to travel further afield for a test:  “I’ve had enquiries from people who want to learn and get into a test around 50 miles away from me. Why go to an area that you don’t know? It’s hard enough doing a test anyway, you have a lifetime to drive on the UK roads, but don’t pick the day of your driving test to do that.”

Steeples also revealed that candidates could be further undermined by their instructor’s less-than-effective preparation for real-life driving.

“A lot of instructors just teach test routes in the local area, but that means that most learners won’t be prepared for any test route and the potential impacts of driving in a new place.”