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UK Driving Test Waits Hit 10.7 Weeks, Examiners Shortage

7/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

DVSA reports the driving-test wait in Britain is now 10.7 weeks, above its seven-week target.
The Covid-era backlog has pushed some waits to six months, forcing learners like 31-year-old Harry—who spends £400 on £72 lessons—to travel for slots and remain untested since July.
Having added almost 280,000 tests since June 2025, DVSA faces examiner shortages that keep capacity limited and the pass rate at 51.5 per cent, the highest in five years.

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Story summary

DVSA reports the driving-test wait in Britain is now 10.7 weeks, above its seven-week target.
The Covid-era backlog has pushed some waits to six months, forcing learners like 31-year-old Harry—who spends £400 on £72 lessons—to travel for slots and remain untested since July.
Having added almost 280,000 tests since June 2025, DVSA faces examiner shortages that keep capacity limited and the pass rate at 51.5 per cent, the highest in five years.