How to Navigate UK Practical Driving Test Delays in 2025
As the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work through half a million practical driving tests delayed by COVID-19 and industrial action (Transport Committee, 2024), it’s a somewhat frustrating time to be a learner driver in the UK.
And while test centres work tirelessly to clear the backlog, 51% have still seen average waiting times increase through 2024, with only 1 in 5 successfully making an improvement. As of May 2024, the average waiting time for a driving test was 17.8 weeks – a 20% increase from 14.8 weeks in February (AA, 2024).
Thankfully, there are a handful of smart methods you can use to get your practical driving test booked and in the bag as quickly as possible.
Get Started on Theory Test Revision Straight Away
Since you won’t be able to book your practical driving test until you’ve passed your theory test, it’s worth getting this stage completed as soon as you can. After all, once you’ve booked your practical test, you’re getting closer to the front of the queue every day. But without a booking secured, that date is only going to get further away.
You can increase your chances of passing your theory test first time by attending our recommended online theory training classes. You can find out more about these classes by clicking on the button below.
3 Quickfire Tips to Pass Your Theory Test
· Choose the right driving instructor. Your theory test knowledge and practical lessons go hand in hand, so find an instructor with a great local reputation and a teaching style that works for you. With their vast experience and knowledge, your driving instructor is your greatest resource – don’t be afraid to ask questions.
· Find a revision tool that makes sense to you. Are you a traditional book learner, or do you prefer to study using videos, apps, or online quizzes? There are a whole host of resources available, so lean into your natural learning style.
· Do lots of mock tests. These will help you get used to the format of the theory test, monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make an informed decision about when you’re ready to book.
Pass Your Theory Test With Theory Test Pro
Our Theory Test Pro app will help you revise the highway code, practice multiple choice questions by topic, and even check your hazard perception skills. You’ll be able to complete mock tests, and useful feedback will help you identify key areas to focus on.
Boasting a sleek, user-friendly interface that requires nothing but an internet connection, you can revise on the go from your phone, laptop, or tablet with ease. Vitally, the app is regularly updated as the DVSA issues new question sets.
Our attention to detail and commitment to providing the most up-to-date and thorough revision tools are reflected in our results. 82% of Theory Test Pro users pass their theory test first time, compared to the UK average of 41% (2nd2None Driving School, n.d.).
Widen Your Search Area and Look for Cancellations
If waiting times at your local test centre are particularly long, you might consider other test centres in a wider radius. If you’re going to do this, make sure you’re familiar with and well-practiced driving in that area; it’s counterproductive to get an earlier test only to fail due to lack of confidence.
Keep an eye out for practical driving test cancellations, too. Whether it’s due to unexpected injury or sickness, a family emergency, or simply feeling ill-prepared, people cancel or reschedule their driving tests all the time. This means you can often jump in and grab a cancellation slot – but be quick, they get snapped up fast!
Many people opt to book the soonest possible test and keep an eye out for cancellations while they wait. Since you can reschedule your practical driving test up to six times for free as long as your test is more than three working days away (Gov.uk, n.d.), this isn’t a bad strategy.
Don’t Leave it Until the Last Minute to Book Your Test
There’s no need to wait until you’re 100% ready for your practical driving test to book in. Driving test delays mean the next available slot might be a good few months away, so it’s worth thinking about well in advance. If you’re unsure when to book, ask your driving instructor for advice.
Our office team is regularly looking for available driving tests and cancellations; if you contact them, then they can check the current waiting time at your chosen test centre. Many test centres still have driving test delays of 5+ months, so make sure to claim your spot in good time.
As we’ve already mentioned, you can reschedule your practical test up to six times as long as you do so more than three working days in advance. This means that if you decide you’re not quite ready nearer the time, you can simply reschedule your test for a later date.
Pass Your Driving Test With 2nd2None Driving School
Founded in Bristol in 2009, 2nd2None driving school has been granting UK learner drivers their independence with exemplary driving instruction for over two decades. Every instructor that uses our name is held to a set of clear professional expectations that allow learners to enjoy the safest, most productive and positive learning experiences.
At present, we work with more than 30 driving instructors across the southwest of the UK. Get in touch today to find your local 2nd2None driving instructor and get ahead of practical driving test delays in 2025.
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