| TL;DR: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) published updated driving test waiting time data in June 2026 showing continued backlogs at many UK test centres. Waits of several months remain common in parts of England and Scotland, adding significant cost to the learning-to-drive journey through extra lessons. The standard practical test fee set by the DVSA is £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays. |
Last reviewed: 19 June 2026
DVSA releases new waiting time data. What the driving test backlog means for learners' costs and timelines in 2026.
What the new DVSA data shows
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) released updated waiting time data for practical car driving tests in June 2026. The data covers all UK practical test centres and is published as part of the DVSA's transparency reporting. Backlogs built up during the Covid-19 period have not been fully cleared, and demand for tests continues to outpace capacity at busy centres.
The DVSA does not publish a single national average waiting time, but individual test centre data is publicly available via the DVSA website. Learners in urban centres with high population density typically face the longest waits.
The financial cost of waiting
Extended test waits translate directly into higher costs for learners. An average driving lesson costs between £35 and £45 per hour depending on location and instructor. If a learner is test-ready but faces a two or three-month wait for a test slot, they may pay for additional lessons or refresher sessions to maintain their standard. At £40 per hour and two lessons per week, a three-month wait adds approximately £960 to the cost of learning to drive.
The DVSA's standard practical test fee is £62 for a weekday test and £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. This does not include the theory test fee of £23 or the cost of lessons themselves.
What the DVSA is doing
The DVSA has taken steps to increase test centre capacity, including recruiting additional examiners and using third-party sites for testing. It has also implemented booking restriction changes to reduce the practice of reselling test slots at inflated prices. However, progress has been gradual and waiting times remain above the DVSA's target level in many areas.
Tips for managing the wait
- Check the DVSA's online booking service regularly - cancellations become available with short notice.
- Consider tests at a slightly more distant centre if waiting times are shorter there.
- Use the DVSA's official booking service only - third-party slot-reselling services charge significant premiums and the DVSA has warned against using them.
- Plan lesson scheduling around expected test dates to avoid unnecessary additional cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a driving test cost in 2026?
The DVSA practical driving test fee is £62 for tests booked on a weekday and £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. The theory test costs £23. These are the DVSA's fixed fees; instructors may charge separately for test-day accompaniment.
How long is the wait for a driving test in 2026?
Waiting times vary significantly by location. The DVSA publishes current waiting time data by test centre on gov.uk. Urban test centres typically have the longest waits; rural centres may have shorter availability.
Can I sell or transfer a driving test slot?
No. The DVSA's booking terms do not permit the resale or transfer of test slots. Using third-party services to buy or sell test appointments may result in the booking being cancelled.
