Committee publication · Correspondence · 21 January 2026 · HC 437
Letter from the Minister for Roads, Department for Transport relating to driving tests waiting times, dated 12 January 2026
From: Transport Committee
Inquiry: Driving tests availability
Summary
The Minister for Roads updates the Transport Committee on driving test waiting times, reporting a national average wait of 22 weeks as of November 2025. DVSA has increased examiner numbers by 123 FTEs since April 2025 and conducted nearly 1 million tests between June–November 2025, partly due to a new testing allowance. The government is implementing measures including booking restrictions, instructor de-authorisation, and use of Ministry of Defence examiners to add 6,500 test slots.
Key findings
- National average car practical driving test waiting time was 22 weeks in November 2025; DVSA increased full-time equivalent driving examiners from 1,413 (April 2025) to 1,539 (November 2025), a gain of 123 FTEs.
- Between June–November 2025, DVSA conducted 999,738 car practical driving tests, 74,847 more than the same period in 2024, largely attributable to introduction of additional testing allowance.
- NAO recommendations include reviewing governance arrangements with DVSA, increasing test slot supply through workforce scaling, examining causes of increased demand, and exploring alternative waiting time metrics.
- From 2026: learner drivers limited to two booking changes; changes restricted to nearby test centres; only learners (not instructors) can book tests; Ministry of Defence examiners to deliver up to 6,500 additional tests.
- Beverley Warmington appointed Chief Executive of DVSA on 17 December 2025 to focus on tackling the backlog and implementing NAO recommendations.
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Simon Lightwood MP, Ruth Cadbury MP, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), National Audit Office (NAO), Beverley Warmington, Department for Transport, Ministry of Defence
Notable line
“The national average waiting time for a car practical driving test in November 2025 was 22 weeks.”
Key Quotes
“DVSA remains fully committed to reducing waiting times for car practical driving tests, recognising the significant impact these delays have on learner drivers, their families, and the wider economy.”
“The 1,539 FTE DEs in November 2025 is also an increase of 116 when compared to the number of DEs in November”
“This increase can largely be attributed to the introduction of that additional testing allowance.”
“Beverley will bring a renewed focus on tackling the driving test backlog and implementing the NAO's recommendations.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗