Business
Driving test waiting times reach two-year low but remain lengthy
Official data indicates that the average wait for a practical driving test has dipped below 20 weeks for the first time since late 2024. While the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) claims this reflects progress in managing the backlog, the current wait time of approximately five months remains a significant hurdle for many learners. Driving instructors and students continue to express frustration, noting that the slight improvement does not meet the government's earlier targets. Despite the elimination of third-party bot-based booking exploitation, the system remains strained by high demand and a persistent shortage of examiners, leaving many applicants struggling to secure a slot.