Driving Test Backlog Hits Record High – What It Means for Learners in Loughborough
- Simon Harrison
- May 17
- 3 min read
Published: May 17, 2025 | (Shared from DIA)
The latest DVSA figures reveal that learner drivers across the UK – including those here at 4front Driving School in Loughborough – are facing unprecedented delays when trying to book a practical driving test. The national test backlog has now soared to over 600,000 – a new record.
As of April 2025, there are 603,352 driving tests booked, almost 100,000 more than the same time last year. However, only 610,000 tests were actually conducted between January and April this year – a 15% drop from the same period in 2024.
Why Is This Happening?
This decline follows a short-term boost in examiner numbers in late 2023, when DVSA temporarily redeployed staff to help clear the queues. But those staff have now returned to their previous roles, leaving the system struggling once again.
On the bright side, pass rates are improving – a possible sign that more learners are waiting until they’re truly ready before sitting their tests.
What the Government Says
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has acknowledged the backlog and confirmed that the Labour government is working on solutions, including:
Making 10,000 more driving tests available each month
Reducing average wait times to 7 weeks by summer 2026 (currently over 20 weeks)
Blocking bots and test scalpers who are reselling test slots at inflated prices
Offering overtime incentives to examiners and expanding recruitment and training
The Industry Speaks Out
Driving instructor associations and schools – including us at 4front Driving School – are calling for real, urgent action.
Carly Brookfield, CEO of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), said in a recent video update:
> “We’ve gone from Groundhog Day to crisis mode. The DVSA’s current plan just isn’t having the impact we need.”
And AA Driving School’s Managing Director, Emma Bush, added:
> “It should not be this hard to book your driving test.”
We agree – and we know how frustrating this is for our learners.
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A Note from Simon at 4front Driving School
Please don’t panic-book tests, especially if you’re not ready.
Booking a test when you’re not prepared is not only a waste of a valuable slot – it can also be dangerous. As driving instructors, we have a duty of care to all road users. If we believe a learner is not test-ready, we do reserve the right to refuse use of our tuition car on test day.
How do you know if you're ready?
Here’s a simple guide:
You can drive independently, without prompts or instructions
You’ve passed 2–3 mock tests with minimal driver faults
You feel confident driving alone, safely and consistently
This is what we aim for with all our pupils at 4front Driving School in Loughborough.
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Struggling to Find a Test Slot?
Due to the DVSA's new systems, many apps like Testi are being blocked and no longer work to find test cancellations.
However, the app that currently is working is called Test Shift.
You can check it out here: https://testshift.co.uk/
This app helps test-ready learners find earlier test slots by monitoring cancellations in real-time – a great tool if you’re fully prepared and just need a date.
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Final Thoughts
At 4front Driving School, we remain committed to helping every learner become a safe, confident, and independent driver. While the system may be under pressure, we’ll continue to support you every step of the way – from your first lesson to your driving test and beyond.
If you're a learner in Loughborough or the surrounding areas and want to get on the road the right way, get in touch with us today.
Need lessons? Need advice?
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