Driving test waits fall but national average is 19.2 weeks

Driving test centres reporting the maximum 24-week wait have more than halved in six months, dropping from 214 in April to 99 in October, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). <i>(Image: Bas Peperzak/Unsplash)</i>
Driving test centres reporting the maximum 24-week wait have more than halved in six months, dropping from 214 in April to 99 in October, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). (Image: Bas Peperzak/Unsplash)
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Driving test waiting times are beginning to fall, but some learners are still facing delays.

Driving test centres reporting the maximum 24-week wait have more than halved in six months, dropping from 214 in April to 99 in October, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

However, national average waiting times remain above four months, with the DVSA’s seven-week target still out of reach.

Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, said: "It is encouraging to see driving test availability improving, with the number of centres recording the maximum wait more than halving in just six months.

Driving test centres reporting the maximum 24-week wait have more than halved in six months, dropping from 214 in April to 99 in October, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

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"However, progress will still feel slow and uneven to many learners, particularly in high-population areas like London and the South East where securing a test remains extremely difficult and many people will be trying to get their licence to secure employment.

"Long waits can delay young people gaining the independence that comes with driving, including opportunities for employment and education."

Average waiting times vary significantly by region.

London currently faces average waits of 23.5 weeks, while the South East stands at 20.3 weeks.

In contrast, the South West reports a much shorter average wait of 12.3 weeks.

The national average has improved for four consecutive months, dropping to 19.2 weeks in October.

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