DVSA chaos as driving test backlog hits new high – | Tech News

Learner drivers in Britain might be set for additional delays in securing important exams with the UK driving test backlog persevering with to grow. New figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed that a whopping 631,472 future sensible driving assessments have been booked as of the top of May. 

According to knowledge, this was up from 527,368 assessments on the similar stage final 12 months displaying an increase in demand. The information is set to be a blow to Labour who promised to cut sensible driving test delays. Last 12 months, the DVSA set out a seven level plan to cut back test ready instances in a sole focus to help new drivers get their driving licence.

Despite an increase within the quantity of bookings, knowledge additionally suggests the quantity of assessments being performed has fallen. 

Just 757,867 driving assessments have been taken by learners between January and May, a determine that was down on the 877,387 assessments final 12 months. 

However, there was some optimistic information with knowledge suggesting more learner drivers have been passing the test. 

May’s move charge got here in at 50.2%, an increase on the 48.9% recorded back in May 2024. 

Meanwhile, officers have tightened up guidelines round reserving driving assessments with learner drivers now required to present up to 10 days’ discover of a cancellation. 

Last December, Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, introduced a concentrate on ending  “sky-high ready instances” 

She added: “No one should have to wait 6 months when they’re ready to pass, travel to the other side of the country to take a driving test, or be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can’t afford to wait.”