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Thousands more driving test slots being added to tackle severe backlog

The Guardian

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October 09, 2025

More driving test slots are being made available to tackle a severe backlog, as figures show a 15% increase in learner drivers with tests booked compared with this time last year.

- Caroline Davies

Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that 668,128 people had a practical driving test booked in Britain as of the end of September, up from 579,138 a year earlier. The DVSA has blamed the significant backlog on an increase in demand and some people booking tests much earlier than before.

A total of 168,644 tests were conducted last month, an increase of 14% from 148,144 in September 2024. The roads minister, Simon Lightwood, described the 20,000 rise as fantastic.

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