Driving Test Backlog Reaches 22 Weeks, Sparking Parliamentary Debate
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood faced intense scrutiny from Members of Parliament this week as the waiting time for driving tests has surged to an average of 22 weeks. The Labour Party government and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are under fire for failing to alleviate the backlog that is affecting thousands of learner drivers nationwide.
MPs Voice Constituents' Frustrations Over Delays
Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, raised concerns in Parliament, asking what steps are being taken to reduce waiting times. She emphasized that many constituents have reported being unable to book test appointments, which negatively impacts their training, education, and employment prospects. In response, Ms. Greenwood acknowledged the critical importance of accessible driving tests, particularly for those needing a license for job opportunities.
Sarah Owen, MP for Luton, highlighted additional issues, noting that some constituents face mark-ups on driving test slots, with one person forced to pay ten times the standard rate to secure a test. This exacerbates the financial and logistical burdens on young learners striving to obtain their licenses.
Government Measures to Address the Crisis
Ms. Greenwood outlined several initiatives aimed at tackling the backlog. These include:
- Changing the booking system to restrict bookings to learner drivers only, with a limit of two changes per test.
- Implementing geographical restrictions to manage demand more effectively.
- Utilizing military driving examiners to increase testing capacity.
- Continuing recruitment efforts and offering overtime schemes for existing examiners.
She reported that as of December 2025, there were 1,542 full-time equivalent driving examiners, the highest number since 2021. Additionally, between June and December 2025, the DVSA conducted 1,158,458 car practical driving tests, an increase of over 102,000 compared to the same period in 2024.
Conservative Criticism and Political Tensions
Conservative Party MP Jerome Mayhew launched a sharp critique, pointing out that the Labour government had promised to reduce waiting times to seven weeks upon taking office. Instead, the average wait has increased to 21.9 weeks, up by three weeks since they assumed power. He questioned the government's competence in handling the issue, labeling the situation as a failure to deliver on their commitments.
In her defense, Ms. Greenwood retorted that the opposition has "some brass neck" in criticizing the current administration, arguing that they are working diligently to rectify problems left by the previous government. She asserted that signs of improvement are emerging, with record numbers of tests conducted in December, but conceded that much work remains to be done.
The debate underscores the ongoing challenges in the driving test system, with the government emphasizing incremental progress while opposition MPs demand faster and more effective solutions to support learners across Great Britain.
