Overview
- DVSA data show 168,644 practical tests were conducted in September, up 14% year on year and more than 20,000 higher than last September.
- Average waits remain around 22 weeks, well above the seven‑week target set by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander for summer 2026.
- Roads minister Simon Lightwood says the government is incentivising examiners and nearly doubling trainer numbers to unlock more tests.
- The government has consulted on changes to stop bots and brokers from mass‑booking and reselling slots, with tests bookable up to 24 weeks ahead on a rolling release.
- September’s pass rate fell to 49.9%, a six‑month low, and officials urge learners to book only when confident of passing.