Aspiring drivers in the UK are facing major delays in booking their driving tests due to a persistent backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of examiners.
Additionally, rumors about a £249 driving licence fee have caused confusion, leading many learners to question the true cost of obtaining a licence.
In this article, we clarify the current driving licence fees, look into the DVSA’s efforts to reduce waiting times, and provide practical tips on how to secure an earlier test slot.
Driving Licence Fee
Despite online speculation, there is no official confirmation from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) regarding an increase in driving licence fees to £249.
Current Fees
| Licence Type | Online Fee | Paper Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional Driving Licence | £34 | £43 |
| Renewal or Replacement | £14 | £17 |
| Exchange of a Foreign Licence | £43 | £43 |
To avoid misinformation, learners should check the official GOV.UK website for the most accurate and updated fees.
UK Driving Test Backlog
The UK driving test backlog remains a major hurdle for learners. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of over one million tests, creating massive delays.
Reasons:
- High demand for tests due to postponed bookings.
- A shortage of examiners, despite recent recruitment efforts.
- Multiple test attempts, with some learners taking several tries to pass.
In major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, waiting times still exceed 12 weeks, making it difficult for learners to secure test dates.
DVSA
To combat delays, the DVSA has introduced a seven-point plan aimed at reducing wait times to seven weeks by the end of 2025.
Measures:
| Measure | Impact |
|---|---|
| Recruiting 450+ new examiners | Increases testing capacity |
| Extended test centre hours | More early morning & weekend slots |
| Improved booking system | Blocks third-party resellers from bulk-booking tests |
| Public awareness campaigns | Encourages learners to book only when test-ready |
| Better cancellation management | Ensures unused slots go to learners in need |
| Flexible testing locations | Opens temporary test centres in high-demand areas |
| Driving instructor partnerships | Ensures learners are well-prepared before booking |
These changes are expected to reduce waiting times significantly over the next year.
Driving Test Pass Rates
Driving test pass rates vary significantly across the UK. Rural areas tend to have higher pass rates, while urban test centres—where roads are busier—often report lower pass rates.
| Test Centre | Pass Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Newport (Wales) | 93.3% |
| Bredbury (Manchester) | 8% |
Learners in high-traffic urban areas may face additional challenges, making preparation even more critical.
How to Get
Struggling to book a test? Here are practical tips to help you secure an earlier slot:
Cancellations Regularly
- Test slots are often released when others cancel.
- Check the DVSA booking system multiple times a day.
Test Cancellation Apps
- Apps like “Driving Test Cancellations Now” send real-time alerts when slots open.
- Be quick—slots get booked within seconds!
Testing in a Different Location
- Some test centres have shorter wait times than others.
- Look for less crowded areas outside major cities.
Book Off-Peak Appointments
- Midweek slots may have lower demand compared to weekends.
Prepared Before Booking
- Failing your test means waiting longer for another slot.
- Work closely with your driving instructor to ensure you’re ready.
New Rules
Third-party companies have been booking and reselling driving test slots at inflated prices—some charging up to £200 per test. To prevent unfair access, the DVSA has introduced stricter booking rules:
- Personal details are now required at booking to prevent bot reservations.
- Strict policies against reselling—accounts involved in resale scams will be blocked.
- Enhanced identity verification ensures fair access for genuine learners.
These changes are designed to ensure fair access and prevent learners from being overcharged.
Final Thoughts
While driving test delays remain a challenge, the rumored £249 driving licence fee increase is false. The DVSA’s efforts to tackle backlogs should improve test availability in the coming months.
By staying informed, checking for cancellations, and using alternative strategies, learners can secure an earlier test date and avoid unnecessary delays.
FAQs
Has the UK driving licence fee increased to £249?
No, there is no official confirmation of a £249 increase. The current fee for a provisional licence is £34 online and £43 by post.
Why are UK driving test wait times so long?
The backlog is due to high demand, a shortage of examiners, and multiple test attempts by learners.
How can I book an earlier driving test?
Check for cancellations, use test alert apps, and consider taking the test in a different location with shorter wait times.
What is the DVSA doing to reduce driving test delays?
The DVSA is hiring more examiners, extending test centre hours, and improving the booking system to prevent third-party reselling.
Which UK test centres have the highest and lowest pass rates?
Newport (Wales) has a 93.3% pass rate, while Bredbury (Manchester) has the lowest at 8%.
