Covid-fuelled backlog of half million drivers prompts learners not to sit for the test.

  • Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), advised people to not take their test before they are ready due to backlog
  • Figures from 22 October from DVSA show that 538,832 test were scheduled for the next 24 weeks. 
  • DVSA also revealed measures to increase test slots. This includes holding tests on weekends, bank holidays and other non-business hours.










Because of the Covid pandemic, half a billion people are waiting to test for their licenses.

Yesterday, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency warned that people should not take their test before they are ready. They could be forced to wait significantly longer for a retest.

According to The Daily Telegraph, figures for October 22 were obtained from the DVSA by the AA Driving School. They showed that 538.832 drivers had booked tests for the next 24 weeks. Loveday Ryder was the chief executive of the DVSA.

“I am sure learners want to take their exam now. But it is crucial that they prepare properly for the test.

With more than 50% of applicants failing the test and high demand for testing, it is important that learners only attempt their tests when they have confidence they can pass them.

“This will save them time and prevent long waits for a repeat test. It also helps us to reduce the waiting list for driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) yesterday warned people not to take their test until they were ready because they could end up waiting a significantly longer amount of time for a retest (stock image)

Yesterday the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), warned individuals not to sit for their tests until they’re ready. This could cause them to have to wait longer for a retest. (stock image).

The DVSA also revealed a variety of ways to increase test slots. This includes holding tests on weekends, bank holidays and outside of normal business hours.

A campaign was launched to find more examiners, and they are asking for retired examiners who have been able to rejoin the ranks.

Coronavirus lockdowns that prohibited driving during the time of large backlogs have largely contributed to this huge backlog.

Many drivers also wait so long for practical testing that they lose their passing certificate from the theory exam.

Some drivers have also waited so long for their practical tests that their theory test pass certificate has expired

Many drivers also wait so long for practical exams that they have lost their pass certificates from the theory exam.

The current rules require that a driver pass a practical exam within 2 years after passing their theory test.

Following successive lockdowns, expired MOT certificates were extended. The Government didn’t do the same for theory tests.

Robert Cowell, interim managing director at AA Driving School, stated: “Learners were disappointed when Government didn’t extend theory test certificates expired in the lockdowns as they did for MOTs. It’s disappointing to see that practical test backlog has reached half a billion tests this year.

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