Learner drivers in parts of the UK are facing long waits for a practical driving test
Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have highlighted the areas across the UK facing the longest waits for a practical driving test.
Seven of the 10 worst-affected areas are in Scotland, reports the RAC. The DVSA analysed data from 313 driving test centres, with Scottish locations taking the top three spots.
The latest DVSA figures, for June 2026, also show the national average wait was 17.3 weeks, while 60 test centres had waits of 17.3 weeks or longer. Published on August 12, RAC notes that the latest report from the motoring agency shows areas in Birmingham and London also feature in the worst-impacted areas.
So which areas have made the list? Check them out below.
What are the top 10 longest driving test waiting times in the UK?
RAC explain that these are the average waiting times between booking and then taking a driving test.
- Forfar (Scotland) – 29.7 weeks
- Callander (Scotland) – 27.7 weeks
- Arbroath (Scotland) – 27 weeks
- Bedford (England) – 25.1 weeks
- Leighton Buzzard (England) – 24 weeks
- Dunoon (Scotland) – 23.9 weeks
- Hawick (Scotland) – 23.6 weeks
- Livingston (Scotland) – 23.1 weeks
- Pinner (England) – 23.1 weeks
- Edinburgh-Currie (Scotland) – 23 weeks
What is the DVSA doing to help with long wait times?
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has stressed that they are taking action to help lower waiting times for drivers. It reassures learners, and instructors: “This transparency commitment builds on the steps we’re already taking to improve waiting times.
“Between June 2025 and May 2026, we did close to a quarter of a million extra car driving tests compared to the same time the previous year. Driving examiner numbers are at their highest level since 2019.
“We’ve changed the booking rules to protect your pupils from exploitation by unofficial services and resellers. We’ve stopped it being possible to hoard tests at a test centre with no intention of taking tests there, only to move them elsewhere in the country.
“We recognise that many learners are still experiencing extended waits, and we’re not complacent about that. Our goal remains to reduce waiting times across Great Britain. Publishing this richer data openly and regularly means you – and your pupils – can track our progress honestly, centre by centre.”
You can read all about the changes to the driving test booking rules on the DVSA’s webinar and Q&A recap here.
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