Labour forces DVSA to deliver 10,000 extra driving tests amid driver fury over long waiting times

Speaking at the Transport Select Committee meeting, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged that current waiting times were "totally unacceptable" and outlined a comprehensive approach to address the crisis.

The measures form part of the Labour Government's commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity within its Plan for Change.

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Despite the DVSA delivering a record 1.95 million tests last year,the MP for Swindon South said that further action has been deemed necessary to help learners pass quickly.

She explained that the department has now instructed the DVSA to reintroduce overtime pay incentives for everyone delivering driving tests, potentially allowing examiners to conduct up to 40 additional tests monthly.

Meanwhile, staff in other DVSA roles who are qualified to examine will be asked to voluntarily return to the frontline to provide practical driving tests.

Other changes introduced for the DVSA include the number of permanent trainers, which will now be doubled to skill up new driving examiners more quickly.

The issue of test-buying bots has been particularly problematic, with MPs expressing shock that third parties have been able to manipulate the booking system.

During the Transport Select Committee hearing, Chair Ruth Cadbury MP compared the situation to concert ticket sales, noting that other organisations have successfully implemented measures to prevent customers from getting exploited.

In response, the Transport Secretary stated that the situation has "hit such a crisis" that there is a need for action, adding that she is currently in conversations with the DVSA to "manage this process appropriately".

Recent analysis by the AA Driving School revealed the average waiting time to book a practical test across the UK was 20 weeks in February, up from 14 weeks a year earlier.

The number of test centres with a 24-week waiting time, which is the maximum time possible to wait, had shockingly nearly doubled over the period, from 94 to 183. As of March 31, there were 583,000 tests booked for future dates, the highest on record.

Despite the DVSA's original target to reduce average waiting times to seven weeks by the end of 2025, Alexander confirmed this will be missed, with new targets set to achieve this by summer 2026. The DVSA has attributed the backlog to "an increase in demand and a change in customers' booking behaviour".

Alexander said: "We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-Plates, but being forced to endure record waiting times for their tests. We simply cannot deliver on our Plan for Change if thousands remain held back, with their aspirations on pause."

"I am instructing DVSA to take further action immediately to reduce waiting times, which will see thousands of additional tests made available every month. We're acting fast to get Britain's drivers moving."

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Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, welcomed the announcement, saying it "will bring hope to those starting to learn, or still waiting to take their test".

Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, added: "Many people, particularly young people, need to pass their driving test for their job or to access education. Unblocking the system by creating extra tests will help ensure people are not being held back."