Overview

• The DVSA reports 668,128 people have a practical test booked as of the end of September, up 15% year on year.
• September saw 168,644 tests conducted, a 14% increase compared with the same month in 2024.
• Average waiting time stood at 22.3 weeks at the end of June, with a government goal to cut this to seven weeks by summer 2026.
• Tests can be booked up to 24 weeks ahead with slots released on a rolling basis, and ministers have consulted on changes to stop bots hoarding appointments for resale.
• Roads minister Simon Lightwood says examiners are being incentivised and trainer numbers are nearly doubling, while last month’s pass rate dipped to 49.9%.