Learner drivers across the UK are set to benefit from faster access to driving tests as the government unveils new steps to tackle long waiting times and stop bots from monopolising test bookings.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced a series of measures to boost driving test availability and improve fairness in the system. These include:
- Calling qualified DVSA staff back to frontline examiner roles
- Doubling the number of permanent trainers to speed up examiner recruitment
- Reintroducing overtime incentives for examiners
- Launching an accelerated consultation to clamp down on bots abusing the booking system.
These changes aim to reduce waiting times to just seven weeks by summer 2026.
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) is already making progress, with nearly 2 million tests delivered last year and over 100 new examiners recruited.
More information on the GOV.UK website: Transport Secretary acts to make thousands of extra driving tests available each month.
