Driving test backlog surpasses 600,000

BRITAIN'S driving test backlog recently exceeded 600,000 for the first time, statistics showed.

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Some 603,352 future practical driving tests were booked as of the end of April, according to analysis of Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) figures by the PA news agency. That is up from 521,190 a year ago.

Despite the growing demand, the number of tests conducted during the first four months of this year is 15% lower than the same period in 2024. There were 610,000 tests taken between January and April, down from 718,000 a year earlier.

The number of tests taken between October 2023 and March 2024 was higher than normal because the DVSA temporarily deployed all eligible staff from other roles to act as examiners.

The statistics suggest learners have responded to calls for them to wait until they are confident they can pass before taking a test.

April's pass rate was 50.2%, up from 48.3% in April 2024 and the highest monthly figure since August 2021 (50.3%).