Driving Test Waiting Times September 2026: DVSA Chief Executive Gives Update
The DVSA has provided an update on driving test waiting times, with its Chief Executive Beverley Warmington acknowledging that waits remain too long in many parts of Great Britain.
Last Reviewed: 2 September 2026
In a blog published on 28 August 2026, DVSA Chief Executive Beverley Warmington explained what the agency is doing to tackle driving test waiting times and improve the booking system.
Driving Test Waiting Times Are Starting to Improve
According to the latest information from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), there are signs that the situation is beginning to improve, although waiting times remain a concern for many learners and driving instructors.
On 30 March 2026, 182 driving test centres were showing a 24-week wait in the booking service. By 27 July 2026, this had fallen to 143 test centres.
DVSA also reported that it completed 197,295 driving tests in July 2026 – the highest monthly total it has ever recorded.
More Driving Examiners Are Being Recruited
DVSA says it has continued to recruit driving examiners and make use of overtime to increase testing capacity.
As of July 2026, there were 157 more full-time equivalent driving examiners in post than a year earlier, representing an increase of 10.9%.
DVSA says this has helped it conduct more than 120,000 additional driving tests during the first four months of the 2026/27 financial year compared with the same period the previous year.
Changes to the Driving Test Booking System
DVSA has also introduced a number of changes aimed at making the booking system fairer and reducing misuse.
- Learners must book their own driving test.
- There are limits on how often appointments can be changed.
- There are limits on how far an appointment can be moved.
- Identity checks and consent requirements have been introduced for test swaps.
- DVSA can suspend online booking access where accounts are found to be misusing the service.
- Suspected test reselling and misuse can now be reported to DVSA.
DVSA has confirmed that these booking reforms will remain in place.
New Guidance on Finding Driving Tests
DVSA has also published new guidance to help learners understand how driving test availability works.
While many people believe that all new appointments are released at 6am on Monday, DVSA has explained that appointments can become available at different times and for different reasons throughout the week.
This new guidance is intended to reduce confusion and help learners understand how to look for available tests.
What Does This Mean for Learners?
Driving test waiting times have not been fixed, and DVSA acknowledges that many learners are still facing long waits. However, the latest figures show that more tests are being carried out and the number of test centres showing a 24-week wait has fallen.
For learners, the most important thing is still to make sure you are genuinely ready before taking your driving test. Booking a test too early simply because an appointment is available may mean you are not fully prepared when the test date arrives.
At A Class Learners, we recommend working closely with your driving instructor and taking your test when you have developed the skills and confidence needed to drive safely and independently.
Read the Full DVSA Update
This update is based on information published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on 28 August 2026.
You can read the full DVSA Chief Executive's update on driving test waiting times on the official GOV.UK Despatch blog.
For the latest official information about driving test availability and waiting times, visit GOV.UK's driving test appointments guidance.
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