Driving test backlog has QUADRUPLED in a year

The backlog for driving test bookings in the UK quadrupled in a year due to the pandemic, new research has revealed.

Lockdowns, restrictions and delays to practical driving tests returning caused the backlog of eager learners to soar from 147,716 to 592,987 when comparing 31 August 2020 to 31 August 2021, according to data obtained by the AA Driving School.

That’s despite average pass rates in recent months being higher than before and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency putting in place additional measures in a bid to clear the logjam of eager new motorists. 

The backlog of driving tests in the UK quadrupled in the last year, new data has revealed

Driving tests and lessons stopped during the lockdowns last year and have continued to bring disruption in 2021. 

The backlog of 147,716 learners waiting for practical tests at the end of August 2020 tripled in just one month to 377,156 by the end of September 2020.

In June this year, the DVSA announced it would make 15,000 to 20,000 more test slots available per month as part of its efforts to speed-up exams and allow more people to gain their driving licence.

Other measures introduced included holding tests out-of-hours, providing examinations on weekends and public holidays as well as offering overtime and annual leave ‘buy back’ for examiners.

It also held a campaign to recruit 300 extra test examiners and asked people who were qualified to conduct driving tests to return to the job including asking recently retired examiners to conduct tests.

However, between June and August 2021, figures issued to AA Driving School and exclusively shared with This is Money show that the backlog has not eased. 

In fact, it increased by 75,076 learners, despite the additional measures.

The DVSA says the extending waiting list is not being helped by the fact that the test pass rate is around just half. 

The DVSA said a month ago: ‘[Because] almost half of candidates [are] failing their practical test, and demand is currently extremely high for tests, learners should only take their test when they are confident they can pass.’ 

However, a higher proportion of learners are passing their test than is normal.

Department for Transport statistics show the average pass rates from 2015 to 2020 was 46.4 per cent – the latest data available for 2021 shows the pass rate is currently above average at 51.6 per cent. 

The DVSA says there were 538,832 candidates who had currently booked a practical test within its 24-week window but this reflected test slots rather than individual pupils because in some instances businesses reserve tests and later cancel them. 

The backlog for all practical driving tests has soared over the past year due to delays to lessons and exams returning during the pandemic

DVSA took action in June to make 15,000 to 20,000 more tests available each month, yet the backlog of learners waiting to sit their driving exam increased by 75,000 by the end of August 

Robert Cowell, AA Driving School Interim Managing Director said: ‘The figures show what we have been hearing from learners throughout the pandemic: the queue for tests is long and more needs to be done to address it.

‘Learners were left disappointed when the government decided not to extend theory tests certificates that expired in the lockdowns, as they did with MOTs and it’s disheartening to see that the practical test backlog reached half a million tests this year.

‘Driving instructors adapted to make lessons safer when restrictions lifted, but the DVSA has still not caught up enough to meet demand and questions need to be asked about what support they can get to ensure we don’t end up in the same position if restrictions come back.

‘The DVSA has asked learners to help by only taking their test when they are confident they can pass. 

‘This would help reduce the backlog however pass rates are now higher than normal so there’s evidence learners are being more cautious and getting extra practice in before their tests.

‘Although measures were introduced this summer to support the test booking system, including hiring more examiners and opening up more test slots, demand is still high and there needs to be a clear plan in place to address this.’

This is Money previously reported that learner drivers have spent an estimated £12million to fast track practical tests after the backlog. 

The research from Direct Line Motor Insurance revealed many were willing to pay additional premiums of up to £60 to bring forward their test. 

It added that some driving instructors have been charging up to £122 per test, a 97 per cent premium for learners to book their tests through them. 

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk