Faq

Why The Backlog!?

The issue with UK driving tests has become extremely serious. There are major obstacles facing young people looking to secure their licence and venture out onto the open road, with a massive backlog for tests, and many having to wait up to six months to secure a booking. The situation is so bad, some are travelling more than 400 miles (four hours in each direction) to take their test, while some budding drivers are giving up altogether.

High Demand:

Post-pandemic pent-up demand: After lockdowns lifted, many people who postponed learning to drive during the pandemic rushed to get their licences, overwhelming the system.
Stronger economy: A recovering economy has led to more people seeking driving licences for work or personal reasons.
Demographic factors: The number of young people reaching driving age is increasing, further straining the system.

Limited Resources:

Shortage of examiners: The DVSA faces a shortage of qualified driving examiners and administrative staff, limiting the number of tests that can be conducted.

Test centre capacity: Not all test centres have the space or infrastructure to accommodate a significant increase in tests. And the number of test centres in certain areas may be insufficient to meet the demand.

Other Factors:

Seasonal variations: Waiting times tend to be longer in summer and around holidays due to increased demand.
Geographical disparities: Rural areas often have fewer test centres and examiners, leading to longer waits.
Booking system limitations: The current booking system has been criticised for being clunky and inefficient.
Backlog clearance efforts: In some cases, efforts to clear existing backlogs can temporarily increase waiting times as the system adjusts to accommodate a surge in test bookings.