Test waiting times remain high at 20.2 weeks nationally, with the median wait time increasing to 11.1 weeks
DVSA have just published the latest driving test figures, and their new way of reporting the median waiting time across the country (as the leading statistic, versus the national average previously reported as the headline statistic) shows an increase to 11.1 weeks.
The national average has remained at around 21.2 weeks throughout 2026, with a median that has hovered around at an average of 10.7 weeks (and recovered to as low as 9 weeks in March 2026) across the year.
Carly Brookfield, DIA CEO, commented ‘Even switching to reporting the median wait time as the headline published statistic hasn’t helped convey a picture of an agency recovering ground in terms of service delivery. The only improving statistic really is pass rates creeping up to 52% from around 50% at the start of the year.
LATEST DVSA SNAPSHOT | GREAT BRITAIN, JULY 2026
| 197,295 Tests conducted | 102,862 Tests passed | 52.1% Pass rate |
| 32,110 Overtime test slots | 20.2 weeks 10%+ availability | 11.14 weeks Median booking-to-test wait |
Source: attached DVSA table DRT121G. Figures shown as supplied; percentages rounded to one decimal where displayed.
Some road safety bodies (who have little to do with teaching people to drive and driver testing) have recently tried to portray, in the media, DVSA’s inability to provide tests to target as a good thing in terms of slowing the rush down to the test centre, and will no doubt seize on that figure to demonstrate that. However a) we shouldn’t be weaponising incompetence to slow the rush down. We should introduce better structured ADI mandatory learning and testing programmes pre-test to do that (which would still allow those who could reach competence earlier to progress earlier), such as the DIA designed Driver Milestones programme and b) we’ve had higher pass rates historically at times with much lower wait times (53% pass rate on a 13 week wait time) so failing to deliver tests in a timely manner shouldn’t be used as an example of a win.’
All the latest test stats can be found below, and DVSA have committed to publishing these monthly since both Transport Select Committees and a National Audit Office investigation highlighted the need for better published data.
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One Response
hi I’ve been on hold for my part 2 since June. I’ve spoken with DVSA and they are currently advising it can take 6 months before being given a date. I have previously worked as an ADI but stopped and decided to retrain. The issue that concerns me is that you only have 2 years to pass all 3 parts from the day you pass a theory so how on earth based on that timescale is anyone supposed to achieve this when everyone is entitled to 3 attempts at part 2 and 3 attempts at part 3. If it was to take this many attempts the you are looking at around 3 years+