Labour faces backlash as driving test waiting times hit 22 weeks - 'Not really a sign of competence'

The Conservative MP for Broadland and Fakenham said: "When these Ministers came to power, they promised that they would act to reduce the waiting time for a driving test, and not just by a little bit; they said they would get it down to seven weeks.

"A year later, the waiting time is now 21.9 weeks. That is not really a sign of competence, is it?"

The latest figures showed that average waits across the UK have climbed by around three weeks since Labour took office.

Learners in many parts of the country stated they are struggling to book tests through the DVSA, with some reporting months-long delays.

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood rejected claims that the Government is failing and insisted action is already underway.

She told MPs: "We are working closely with the DVSA to ensure that it is able to provide the tests that are needed. Things are starting to turn around - we had record numbers of tests in December."

Ms Greenwood said reforms announced in November 2025 were designed to stop the system from being exploited, including only permitting learners to book and manage their own tests.

Ministers are also introducing geographical restrictions to stop people booking tests far from home simply to resell the slots at inflated prices.

Labour's Sarah Owen explained the case of one constituent in Luton North who needs a driving licence to complete qualifications and secure a job, but is unable to do so without "paying 10 times the standard rate".

Ms Greenwood said such practices were "completely unacceptable" and confirmed the booking system is being overhauled to block abuse.

Between June and December 2025, more than 1.15 million practical car tests were carried out, representing 102,000 more than during the same period the year before.

She also detailed how there are now 1,542 full-time equivalent driving examiners in post, the highest number since 2021. Military driving examiners are also being drafted in to boost capacity further.

Ms Greenwood also hit back at Conservative criticism by pointing to a December report from the National Audit Office, which found that the DfT "had limited involvement in helping DVSA tackle driving test waiting times up to mid-2024".

Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said young people and graduates are being locked out of work because they cannot get a test in Scotland.

The MP for Edinburgh West said: "Young people, some of them graduates, cannot access driving tests, and then they cannot get jobs because they do not have a driving licence.

"They are facing long wait times and then sit repeated tests, which has an economic impact on them."

Labour MP Tracy Gilbert, who represents Edinburgh North and Leith, added that many constituents had contacted her about the issue.

Ms Greenwood said the new booking rules, continued recruitment of examiners and extra overtime tests will benefit learners across Great Britain.