Driving Test Backlog Update

As many of you are aware the ever growing backlog regarding booking a practical driving test grows by the day, the delay which first came about after the Covid 19 lock down lifted. Lets take a look into how this was created.

Covid 19 lockdowns

Due to only essential workers being able to take lessons and driving tests for some time combined with many learners pre booked tests being cancelled this created the initial backlog.

Lack of examiners

Once the lock downs where eventually lifted a number of examiners decided to either retire or change profession.

Strikes

Strikes which also took place over a number of dates added to test being cancelled or rescheduled.

Unauthorized reselling and bots

Then saw a rise in the use of automated bots that exploit the driving test booking service. This led to result in the reselling of appointments, often at inflated prices.

Increase in learners

Everyday people turn 17 and wish to begin their learning journey, this combined with others wishing to learn also creates a high demand for tests.

So, whats being done to reduce the waiting time?

• The DVSA have cracked down on unauthorized sellers and bots being able to block book the tests and resell them.Reducing the amount of tests that can be booked in one go.
• Increased the time frame to cancel or change a test from 3 working days to 10 working days. The theory behind this is :

Lots of people who are not ready to take their driving test leave it until the last moment to change or cancel it.

That appointment then becomes available to other learner drivers. But as it’s so close to the test date, it can be hard for people who are ready to pass to make all the necessary arrangements to use the appointment.

This can lead to appointments going unused.

By asking learner drivers to give more notice, it should give other people more chance to use the appointment. This will help to reduce driving test waiting times. DVSA.

• More examiners employed and extra tests added to weekends and bank holidays.

Now a new announcement has been made

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told MPs that current driving test waits are ‘totally unacceptable’ as she pledged tens of thousands more exams this year

Heidi Alexander told MPs that current waits are “totally unacceptable” as she pledged tens of thousands more exams this year. She revealed she has ordered the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to offer overtime payments to examiners, as well as getting those qualified to return voluntarily. The MIRROR