The practical driving test backlog stands at over half a million.

AA Driving School research of official data puts the number of candidates waiting for a driving test at 530,387. This is being exacerbated as tests for new instructors also has long waiting lists on the back of Covid lockdowns.

Increasing problems

DVSA data accessed by a Freedom of Information Request shows the driving test backlog has increased by 34,263 in one year.

Restrictions and delays to practical driving tests returning meant the backlog grew from 147,716 learners in August 2020 to 592,987 learners in August 20213.

The stats also reveal the current average waiting time for a test slot is 14 weeks (3.2 months). However, there are reports learners are waiting up to six months in some areas.

Having a valid theory test pass is also an issue. With the lockdowns and delays, some candidates are now having to re-take the £23 theory exam. This is because of the 24 month Theory Test result expiry time.

Covid hangover

High demand for practical driving tests has led numerous websites being setup to make mass bookings using bots. Practical tests cost £62 from the official government website. However, desperation is driving candidates to use alternative sites charging over £200.

In its response, the DVSA says it has recruited an additional 300 examiners. It has increased the number of tests including conducting tests out of hours. Furthermore, DVSA has also introduced the ‘Ready to Pass’ campaign. A spokesperson says: “With more than half of candidates failing, learners should only take their test when they are confident they can pass.”

Data breakdown of the practical test backlog since 2020:

DVSA practical driving test data
Date Test backlog
31 August 20203 147,716
25 January 20213 381,798
31 May 20213 496,124
28 June 20213 517,911
30 August 20213 592,987
31 January 20221 517,053
30 May 20221 530,387

ADI tests delayed

The time it takes new instructors to qualify has also soared. New driving instructors must take three examinations (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 tests).

Official data shows the average waiting time for a Part 2 test is 20.7 weeks. For the Part 3 test it is 17.2 weeks.

DVSA confirmed that last month there were 438 Approved Driving Instructor tests on hold without a date. This means that these instructors have no known timeframe for completing their training.

Testing times

Mark Oakley, AA Driving School Managing Director says: “The spiralling issues with tests for both learners and trainee instructors is absolute madness and must end now.

“When we revealed the true state of the backlog last year the DVSA said measures were in place to solve it,” he adds. “But these new figures show they have not kept up with demand.

“To still have a half-a-million backlog one year later is a significant issue.

“The fact the practical test backlog grew from January to May 2022 alone shows real work needs to be done.

With driving instructors in huge demand, delays to new instructors coming through is exacerbating the issue.

While the DVSA say they are “committed to working on it”, Mark says “more needs to be done”.

Read about the driving test backlog in 2021 here.