Driving test delays 'frustrating' for learners

Natalie has been trying to book a test for her son Sam since May

A woman who is trying to book a driving test for her son says the system is "frustrating" and "like booking concert tickets."

Natalie, from Taunton, said her 17 year-son Sam started lessons in April and was still waiting for an appointment.

Driving instructors in Somerset are reporting waiting times of up to 23 weeks, with delays at centres in Taunton and Yeovil.

Loveday Ryder, the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said: "The DVSA is taking decisive action to reduce driving test waiting times by making more tests available."

MP Anna Sabine has launched a survey to hear the experiences of constituents

Natalie said they had tried to book a test on Monday mornings when the DVSA released new slots.

"You need to be ready online at 06:00 when they become available which is a bit like concert tickets, first come, first served."

"When you're 17 and you're going to college and trying do things it's really quite frustrating," she added.

Anna Sabine, the Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset, has launched a survey to hear about the experiences of constituents.

She said: "Because we're a semi-rural constituency and because a lot of people rely on buses which aren't necessarily available all the time, driving is a real lifeline for people."

Instructor Dan Limond says learners are waiting up to six months for a test

The DVSA said between June and September 2025, it carried out almost 42,000 more tests compared to the same period the year before and the Transport Secretary has set out plans to tackle the backlog.

Arthur Mynott, the area chairman of the Motor Schools Association for the West Coast and Wales, said delays started during the coronavirus pandemic.

"A lot of examiners left during Covid, a lot have retired since. They're probably on about £26,000 a year, which is not good enough really."

Dan Limond, a driving instructor at Ellisons School of Motoring in Taunton, suggested learners take their theory test before they start driving lessons.

"You might also want to think about booking your test as soon as you begin lessons," he added.