Today, 17 December, the National Audit Office (NAO) has published its report in driving test waiting times.
We want to let you know about the things we’re doing to address the issues raised in the report.
DVSA welcome the NAO’s independent review of driving test waiting times.
DVSA fully acknowledge that instructors and learner drivers have suffered while trying to access this essential public service.
DVSA remain steadfastly committed to addressing this issue and will continue working closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) to tackle the challenges identified by the NAO.
The report discusses issues with how DVSA model the number of driving tests they need to provide and how they forecast when waiting times will return to pre pandemic levels.
DVSA current forecasting estimates that waiting times may not return to 7 weeks or less until November 2027. But to meet this, they need to accelerate the increase in the number of driving tests, primarily by increasing our workforce by 18 driving examiners every month.
DVSA are taking significant action to improve the situation. Between June and November 2025, they carried out almost 75,000 more tests compared to the same period in 2024.
DVSA continue to use incentive schemes to increase available test slots and reduce the number of driving examiners leaving the agency. Recruitment campaigns are also ongoing and are bringing new examiners into the service.
36 defence driving examiners from the MOD will help deliver up to 6,500 more tests over the coming year, further increasing capacity.
In Spring 2026, they will make important changes to the driving test booking system. These changes will help ensure the system works fairly for everyone and make it easier for learners to book their test.
The actions will remove the opportunity for third parties to book tests and stop the exploitation of learners.
While there is still a long way to go, they’re working hard to improve the situation for instructors and learners. The agency will continue to monitor progress and take further action where needed to ensure fair access to driving tests for all.
