(qlmbusinessnews.com . Fri 25th Apr, 2025) London, UK —
Learner Drivers Rejoice: UK Government Pledges 10,000 Additional Test Slots
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has pledged to alleviate the severe backlog of learner drivers waiting over five months for practical tests by introducing 10,000 extra test slots each month from May 2025. Currently, learners face average waits of around 20 weeks, extending to six months in some regions. The government now expects to cut waiting times to seven weeks by summer 2026, extending the original target by eight months.
To deliver these additional tests, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will double its examiner-training capacity and temporarily reassign qualified staff from other departments back to frontline testing. Overtime pay incentives will be reinstated for all examiners, enabling each to conduct up to 40 extra tests per month. A consultation on booking system reforms will also launch to prevent exploitation by automated bots, which have been used to secure multiple slots and inflate broker fees.
The backlog has been driven by record demand—1.95 million tests were booked last year—and a shortage of examiners, compounded by changes in learner booking behaviours. Many learners, including university student Millie Moyler, have endured delays exceeding 18 months, impacting job prospects and education opportunities. Driving instructors warn that without a sufficient number of examiners, the number of available tests cannot increase.
Industry groups such as the AA Driving School and RAC Foundation have welcomed the measures but emphasise the importance of ensuring sustained examiner recruitment and support. The government’s broader Plan for Change highlights removing barriers to opportunity, and this initiative seeks to ensure that delays in obtaining a licence no longer hinder access to employment and education.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel
Visit QLM businessnews.com
For more business news stories also follow us on Facebook, X and Youtube.
To Help qlm business news bring you more new stories like this, please like, share and subscribe.
Unlock unparalleled business growth and effortlessly attract a stream of new customers through QLM Business News Sponsored Advertising. Elevate your brand's presence and captivate your target audience with precision. Visit QLMbusinessnews.com and click on “Advertise” to harness the power of strategic advertising. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to propel your business to new heights of success!
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
