Learner drivers face 20-week wait for practical driving tests in the UK

Learner drivers have to wait an average 20 weeks before booking a practical test, according to new figures, despite attempts to reduce delays.

The data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for August is only a marginal improvement from an 20.2 weeks in July.

The average wait time between booking and sitting a test is unchanged at 11.1 weeks.

The DVSA initially had a target of reducing the average waiting time to seven weeks by the end of last year. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander pushed the target back to summer 2026, but admitted even that would not be possible.