The driving experience company TrackDays.co.uk has found that learner drivers still face long waiting lists ahead of their test initially caused by Covid.
According to the company, at least 34 practical driving test centres across the UK have a waiting list of more than 23 weeks, with hundreds not taking any new bookings.
Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, warned that the delay could further increase if the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) go on strike.
He explained: “This research is a startling reminder of the pressures the DVSA is facing, and how, despite its promises, it is struggling to improve practical test capacity.
“Undoubtedly, some of this is the continuing knock-on effects brought on by the pandemic nearly four years ago, which is part of why there is still a backlog. The incoming strikes will do nothing but compound the issues at a time when theory test pass figures are going in the right direction.”
In 2022, the most recent data available, 1.67million driving tests were conducted across the UK, more than half a million more than in 2021.
However, whilst the figures are on the rise, and higher than figures before Covid, there is a higher number of learner drivers who were unable to get a test during the pandemic.
The majority of test centres are currently running at full capacity, with TrackDays.co.uk noting 200 are not allowing learners to book a test there.
To add to the strain, the company noted that 2,000 driving test examiners are set to go on strike in the coming weeks.
The news follows the Public and Commercial Services calling the Government “reckless” over their plans to tackle the backlog, which called for the examiners to work for longer periods.
The examiners are set to walk out from February 8 to February 11, 2024, raising awareness of health concerns many face.
Dan highlighted that it is important that learners stay confident and knowledgeable by staying behind the wheel until they can successfully book their test.
He added: “While repetition of the driving skills required to pass a test will improve a driver’s confidence, having to wait so long for an exam to come up can be demotivating.
“Its important learners continue to get behind the wheel. They could even consider a host of no-licence experiences available across the UK to keep them interested.”
