Learner drivers are being warned over long-lasting delays for driving tests, with thousands being affected by the examiner strikes throughout March. Motoring experts say the driving test backlog is becoming a real problem for UK learners, with some having to wait more than six months for a space.
Every year in the UK around 1.6 million nervous learners buckle up to sit their practical driving tests, yet these pupils are now having to join a queue of up to half a year for an opportunity to take the exam. The long wait times are partially because of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) struggling to tackle the backlog left over from Covid-19 restrictions in the UK, where driving tests were suspended for several months.
Driving examiners are also striking all of the country throughout March over pay, pension and redundancy terms, which will only further delay tests for pupils across the country.
Measures have been put in place to try and reduce the mountain of learners waiting for a test, such as out-of-hours and weekend driving tests. The DVSA’s latest ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign is also designed to help take the pressure off, helping pupils prepare for upcoming driving tests to see if they are actually ready to book a spot.
But learners are still having to wait months for test slots to open up, and they are becoming increasingly frustrated at being forced to compete for a space. With the average driving test pass rate in the UK now 48.7 per cent and falling, learner drivers who fail their tests the first time round must now wait in the ongoing backlog for another chance.
Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, said: “For many young people being able to drive is a rite of passage and their first real taste of freedom. But thousands of young adults now find themselves stuck, waiting for their chance to pass and have access to their very first set of wheels.
“The backlog has been in place for years now, and despite the DVSA trying to ease pressure on test centres, pupils are still being met with disappointment even with test slots being offered up over weekends, evenings and bank holidays.
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"Unfortunately the upcoming examiner strikes throughout March are only going to worsen the driving test backlog, and I really sympathise with those learners who have been waiting months for a chance to take their tests.
“If you are one of the many queuing in the backlog for a test slot to become available, it’s important to keep on top of your lessons and keep practising. Also look at other driving test centres nearby in case they have more test availability - not a lot of learners are aware that you are permitted to book a test elsewhere. You can also use the cancellations app to try and get your test moved forwards when a slot opens up.”
