Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Driving Test Waiting Times

Thursday 12 February 2026 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tracy Gilbert questioned the Minister about steps to reduce waiting times for driving tests, citing constituent experiences of delays impacting training and employment.
  • The Minister responded by highlighting the Government's priority to reduce waiting times while maintaining road safety standards, mentioning booking system changes and geographic restrictions.
  • Ministers addressed concerns over inflated booking fees for driving tests, indicating actions to block exploitative practices and take action against instructors who misuse the booking system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith
Transport
Context

The MP noted constituents' concerns about long wait times for booking test appointments, impacting training, education, and employment opportunities.

Question

What steps she is taking to help reduce waiting times for driving tests? A number of my constituents have been in touch to share their experience of being unable to book test appointments. These delays have an impact on training, education, and employment opportunities. Will her Department outline specific steps to reduce the backlog at test centres in Scotland?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

The Government's top priority is reducing car practical driving test waiting times while upholding road safety standards. We announced booking system changes in November 2025, limiting learner drivers to two test changes and introducing geographical restrictions. Additionally, we are utilising military driving examiners and have the highest number of full-time equivalent driving examiners since 2021. Continued recruitment and overtime schemes will benefit learners across Great Britain.

Answered
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Q2 Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith
Business & Trade
Context

The MP questioned whether the fundamental problem is that the DVSA is a state-controlled monolith without competition, suggesting privatisation could enable faster access to driving tests.

Question

Is not the fundamental problem that the DVSA is a state-controlled monolith without any competition? Would it be wise to privatise the DVSA and allow young people to access driving tests more quickly?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

This Government are working closely with the DVSA to provide necessary tests. Record numbers of tests were conducted in December, but more needs to be done. We are addressing the issue and making progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: privatisation suggestion

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Q3 Christopher Chope Con Christchurch
Transport
Context

The MP highlighted unacceptable waiting times and mark-ups on driving test slots, mentioning a constituent who had to pay ten times the standard rate to secure a test.

Question

I appreciate the measures outlined. Many constituents have written about unacceptable waiting times and inflated booking fees for driving tests. One needs their licence for qualifications and employment but must pay 10 times the normal price. What is being done to ensure those charging excessive rates are held accountable?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

It is unacceptable that some exploit learner drivers. We are changing the booking system to block such practices and taking action against instructors who misuse their access to the system.

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Q4 Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
Employment Transport
Context

The MP noted significant problems in Edinburgh West with young people, including graduates, unable to access driving tests leading to delayed job opportunities and repeated test attempts.

Question

I thank the Minister for her measures. In Edinburgh West, this is a major issue affecting graduates who cannot secure jobs due to lengthy wait times and repeated test attempts. Will the Department consider how it can support people facing economic impacts from long waiting lists?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

We appreciate the impact of delayed access to practical driving tests on young people. We are taking further measures and seeing signs of improvement, with 1,158,458 car practical driving tests conducted between June and December 2025, an increase over the same period in 2024.

Partly answered

Not addressed: economic support consideration

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Q5 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Transport
Context

The MP pointed out that despite promises, the average wait time for a driving test has increased from seven weeks to 21.9 weeks since the new government took office.

Question

When these Ministers promised to reduce waiting times for driving tests, they said it would be down to seven weeks. A year later, the wait is now 21.9 weeks and has even increased by three weeks since coming into power. Is this a sign of competence?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

The National Audit Office report stated that the Department for Transport had limited involvement in addressing driving test waiting times up to mid-2024. The previous Government largely left DVSA to resolve issues independently before 2024.

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Q6 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
Transport
Context

The MP mentioned constituents unable to book test appointments, impacting training, education, and employment opportunities.

Question

A number of my constituents have been in touch about being unable to book driving test appointments. These delays affect training, education, and job opportunities. Will the Minister outline specific steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog at test centres in Scotland?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Like my hon. Friend, I understand learners need access to driving tests for jobs and training. Booking system changes, continued recruitment, and extra tests through overtime schemes will benefit learners across Great Britain, including those in Scotland.

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