Backlog Bites: Learner Drivers Face 2-Year Wait as DVSA Misses 2025 Target

According to the NAO's inquiry, the backlog grew after the COVID-19 lockdown, with 1.1 million tests not carried out in the 2020-21 financial year. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) had planned to cut waiting times to seven weeks by the end of 2025, but this target now seems unlikely to be met. The NAO's report highlighted that delays have led to people paying third parties to secure tests, with some individuals paying significantly inflated prices of up to £500 - nearly eight times the official DVSA fee of £62 for a weekday slot. The Department for Transport (DfT) has acknowledged the issue and stated that it is "taking decisive action to address the backlog." This includes employing military driving examiners to help clear the backlog. However, the NAO's report found that the DVSA struggled to understand the real demand for tests, which has contributed to the delays. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the driving test system, with many test centres forced to close or reduce their operations. The lockdown led to a surge in demand for tests when restrictions were lifted, which has put pressure on the system. The NAO's report noted that the DVSA had not adequately prepared for the increased demand and had not taken sufficient steps to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. The backlog has also had a significant impact on learner drivers, who are facing long waiting times and uncertainty about when they will be able to take their tests. The NAO's report highlighted that some individuals are being forced to pay high prices to secure tests, which is unfair and potentially exploitative. The report called on the DVSA to take urgent action to address the backlog and to provide more support to learner drivers. The current situation is that learner drivers face a 24-week wait for a driving test at 70 test centres, with the backlog expected to continue until November 2027. The DfT has stated that it is taking decisive action to address the backlog, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to clear the backlog and restore the driving test system to its pre-pandemic levels. The NAO's report has highlighted the need for the DVSA to take urgent action to address the backlog and to provide more support to learner drivers.