Number of driving test centres with maximum waits more than halves in six months

Driving test waits fall

The number of driving test centres recording the maximum 24-week wait for test availability has more than halved in six months, according to DVSA figures released today (11/11/26).

In April 2026, 214 centres across Great Britain recorded the maximum wait, compared with 99 in October – a reduction of 54%.

The national average for driving test availability has also improved for four consecutive months, falling from 20.2 weeks in July to 19.2 weeks in October. However, this still means many learners still face an average wait of more than four months for test availability.

Regional differences remain

Significant regional differences also remain, with average availability at 23.5 weeks in London and 20.3 weeks in the South East compared with 12.3 weeks in the South West.

AA Driving School response

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.

“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.

“National average availability remains well above DVSA's seven-week target, and the expectation of November 2027 being when this target will be achieved will still feel very far away to learners. Learners need confidence that the improvements we are seeing will continue.

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

“We welcome the work being done to increase testing capacity and improve access to appointments, and learners now need to see these improvements sustained across the country.”