13/02/2026
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about issues booking driving tests recently.
I completely understand how frustrating this is for people trying to book a test. Too many are having to wait up to six months for a test or are struggling to book one at all as new tests released on the booking system are snapped up so quickly.
We inherited a huge backlog from the previous government. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has pledged to clear it and has already introduced changes to bring down waiting times, including:
- a crackdown on test-buying bots,
- boosting training capacity for examiners, and
- changes to driving test booking rules.
On behalf of local residents who have contacted me about this, I've contacted the DVSA for a full update on the situation. Below is the latest response I have received from them:
"I am sorry to hear of the difficulties your constituent is experiencing when trying to book a driving test and understand how frustrating this must be. We recognise that practical driving test waiting times remain high, and I understand the impact this is having on learner drivers.
"Our priority, at this time, is to reduce car practical driving test waiting times while upholding road safety standards. I can assure you that we are working hard to provide as many practical driving test appointments as possible at all test centres. To help increase the number of available test appointments, including in rural areas, we are conducting tests outside of regular hours, including at weekends and on public holidays.
"As part of our plan we announced in December 2024, we recognised that we need to take action to fix the driving test booking system and get new drivers on the road. We held a call for evidence to collect data and information from customers on how they use the booking system. We received almost 27,000 responses. Those replies will help us to create proposals that will make sure learner drivers can book their driving test easily and efficiently.
"Following on from the Secretary of State’s announcement, on the 28 May we launched a public consultation on improving the rules for booking car driving tests. The changes proposed would make test reselling practically impossible while preserving legitimate uses of the system by learners and instructors. The consultation also asked for views on our proposed changes to the booking rules.
"The consultation closed on 23 July 2025. Candidates can read more about the consultation on GOV.UK: Changes to car driving test booking rules.
"The government is taking decisive action to reduce practical driving test waiting times. On 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander announced the outcome of the consultation to improve car driving test booking rules. They are:
• only learner drivers will be able to book and manage car driving tests
• learner drivers will be limited to making up to 2 changes to their test in total (for example, one change (date or location) and one swap)
• tests will only be able to be moved to driving test centres within a certain geographical area of the original booking
"These changes will be introduced in spring 2026. We will publish the full outcome with details on how the changes will be implemented, and when, as soon as possible."
