Driving test warning as top school warns situation ‘cannot get much worse'
As of 5 May, 258 locations – 81 per cent of all sites – had a 24-week backlog for a driving test, a significant increase from 161 at the start of the year.
AA Driving School, which obtained the data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), warned that the situation "cannot get much worse".
The average waiting time across all test centres has now reached 22 weeks, up from 14 weeks in February 2024.
The DVSA attributes the delays to a surge in demand and candidates booking tests much earlier than previously.
Officials hope that an increase in the number of tests conducted will help to reduce these extensive waiting times.
The number of future bookings in the DVSA's system was 122,000 higher in June compared with the same month last year.
Public spending watchdog the National Audit Office recently announced it will investigate the 'root causes' of delays to booking tests, and 'how the DVSA is responding'.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said in April the Labour Government 'inherited an enormous backlog' but was 'acting fast'.
She told the Commons Transport Select Committee her department aimed to reduce the average waiting time to seven weeks by summer 2026.
A Government consultation on amending the test booking system closed last week.
This featured a plan aimed at stopping bots mass-booking new slots so they can be resold on the black market for inflated prices.
The Department for Transport also instructed the DVSA to offer additional overtime payments to incentivise instructors to conduct more tests.
Staff at the agency qualified to conduct tests are being asked to voluntarily return to the front line, while the number of permanent trainers for new examiners is being doubled.
Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, said: 'With the vast majority of driving test centres now showing waits at the maximum the system will allow, the situation cannot get much worse.
'New measures designed to start bringing down waiting times were implemented at the start of April by the DVSA.
'There are signs of recovery though, putting both the industry and learners on tenterhooks for more signs of improvement in the coming months.
'While we would expect these changes to take a few months to show a positive impact, it is still disappointing to see that learners are continuing to face an uphill battle when it comes to booking their driving test.'
DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder said: 'DVSA's goal is to make booking a driving test easier and fairer for learner drivers.
'We are making progress on our plans.
'We're really grateful to everyone who has responded to our recent consultation, including learners, parents and driving instructors.
'We're now analysing the survey responses.
'Using your feedback, we'll be able to plan our next steps on improving car test booking rules.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y: Which mid-size SUV is best?
You can hardly move for new mid-size electric SUVs in 2025. The category has become the de facto battleground for the world's car makers and, for years now, the Tesla Model Y has topped sales charts. The planet's best-selling car is the obvious benchmark against which all newcomers are measured. One of the latest hopefuls seeking to challenge Tesla's dominance, the BYD Sealion 7 arrives from China with more than a hint of the Model Y about it. Tesla built its reputation on a minimalist, software-first approach, prioritizing range, efficiency and charging network. Chinese battery and automotive giant BYD takes a more traditional route, focusing on premium materials, lavish interior design and a feature-rich experience from the moment you step inside. Families and company car drivers making the switch to electric have a decision to make. Can the Sealion 7's build quality and luxurious cabin justify a higher price tag against the newly refined and more affordable Model Y? We've compared both cars to find out. How we tested and compared We've driven both the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7 extensively on a variety of roads in the UK and abroad. Close attention is paid to performance and handling when navigating around town centres, along country roads and at motorway speeds. As well as assessing ride quality, we put their infotainment systems through their paces and tested the practicality of their back seats and boot capacity. Specs Independent rating: 6/10 Independent rating: 9/10 Pros: Now rides better, super quiet, the best tech, efficient Cons: Still a firm ride, others do quality better, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Price range: £44,990 to £60,990 Battery size: 75kWh Maximum claimed range: 387 miles Miles per kWh: 4.4v Maximum charging rate: 250kW Battery, range and charging Winner: Tesla Model Y – it goes further on a smaller, more efficient battery and is backed by a convenient charging network The BYD Sealion 7 enters the arena with a larger top-spec battery at 91.3kWh, but only manages a maximum claimed range of 312 miles from it. The Sealion 7's 230kW peak charging speed is respectable, but that shorter range means that overall efficiency is just average. In contrast, the newly updated Tesla Model Y offers a maximum range of 387 miles from a smaller and lighter 75kWh battery. The charging speed is roughly similar at a peak of 250kW, but the Model Y benefits from Tesla's greatest asset: the Supercharger network. The car's navigation leads you to the best charger for any given journey and automatically preconditions the battery before you arrive, a value-add that BYD can't match. Performance and drive When it comes to performance, both the BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y offer a snappy 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and more than enough instant acceleration for any situation. BYD is so proud of that figure it puts it on the badge on the boot. Although performance is the same, the difference is in how they behave on the road. Our full BYD Sealion 7 review describes the ride as an unsatisfying combination of 'wallowy and firm'. The mid-size SUV leans through corners and can feel bouncy, but it's also firm over potholes, with unresponsive steering that fails to live up to the sporty performance figures. This is where the new and updated Model Y pulls ahead. The biggest flaw of the original car – its harsh ride – has been addressed. Our full Tesla Model Y review calls it 'far more composed over bumps' and a 'much more mature, even luxurious car.' While still firm, the Model Y is no longer uncomfortable and a lot more pleasant to drive, giving it an edge over the BYD. Interior and practicality Winner: BYD Sealion 7 – for its superior materials and premium cabin Here's where the Sealion 7 lands its most convincing punches. Stepping inside, the cabin feels genuinely premium, with high-quality, posh materials and an intricate, flowing design. The build quality is impressive and passenger space is excellent, especially in the rear. The Tesla Model Y's minimalist cabin has been subtly upgraded with more comfortable seats and better materials, but it can't match the traditional luxury or lavish feel of the BYD. For buyers who value plushness and smart design, the Sealion 7 has the clear advantage. In terms of practicality, both of these mid-size SUVs are evenly matched. The BYD has a slightly bigger 520-litre boot and a 58-litre frunk, and holds a healthy 1,789 litres with the seats folded down. The Tesla officially lists its boot size as 854 litres, though that's measured to the roof. Measure to the window-line like most brands and you get something nearer to Sealion 7. Fold down the seats and the Model Y boasts a total cargo volume of 2,138 litres. Price and value Winner: Tesla Model Y – it's cheaper to buy across all trim levels while offering significantly more range Undercutting the market leader on price is a proven strategy for any challenger brand, so it's odd that BYD has chosen to do the opposite. The entry-level Sealion 7 starts at £46,990, a full £2,000 more than the entry-level Tesla Model Y at £44,990, despite the Tesla offering more range for the money. The price gap only widens as you add more kit. The top-spec, all-wheel-drive Sealion 7 Excellence is priced at a hefty £58,990, whereas the new Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive seems cheap by comparison at just £51,990. For your extra £7,000, the BYD gives you significantly less driving range, too. While BYD does offer a longer six-year vehicle warranty compared to Tesla's four, it's not enough to overcome a fundamental shortcoming in price and performance – the value proposition is not in the Sealion 7's favour. Technology and infotainment Winner: Tesla Model Y – Tesla is renowned for its slick and integrated user experience, but BYD isn't far behind in terms of intuitive software. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give the Sealion 7 an undeniable usability boost, too BYD has equipped the Sealion 7 with a showstopping 15.6in rotating touchscreen that's crisp, responsive and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With clever usability touches and a brilliant Dynaudio sound system, it's an excellent standalone piece of kit. The Tesla Model Y sticks to its minimalist principles with a single 15.4in screen that controls everything. It still doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which will be a deal-breaker for some. However, its strength lies in its neatly integrated software ecosystem. The native navigation, seamless link to the Supercharger network and the best-in-class smartphone app give drivers a hassle-free user experience. The addition of a new 8in screen for rear passengers is another advantage over the BYD. The verdict: BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y The BYD Sealion 7 would be a compelling rival to the Tesla Model Y, but it's scuppered out of the gate by its pricing strategy. It's a spacious and well-built SUV with a premium-feeling interior and some excellent technology – in a vacuum, the Sealion 7 is an impressive car. But in a market dominated by the Model Y, the Sealion 7 is edged out by the Tesla in too many key areas. The Sealion 7 is more expensive, has less range, is less efficient and offers a less composed driving experience than its main rival. The 2025 update puts the Tesla Model Y back at the top of its game. It may not have the luxury feel of the BYD's cabin, but it's the superior EV and the more rewarding and economical car to own and drive.
Auto Express
an hour ago
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: a family-friendly Renault Captur for just £161 a month
Smart looks inside and out Easy to drive; strong standard kit list Just £160.85 a month With the spotlight firmly on Renault's reimagined electric cars like the retro 4 and 5, it's easy to forget models like the Captur. This Renault Clio-based SUV has been around for a while, but it still stacks up well against the competition, thanks to great tech, efficient powertrains, and, judging by this deal, excellent value for money. Leasing Options is offering the baby high-riding Renault for a measly £160.85 a month right now. This two-year deal only requires a £2,280.19 initial payment to get the things moving, while mileage is limited to 5,000 miles a year. Just over £17 extra a month, though, allows this limit to be raised to 8,000 a year if you need. Advertisement - Article continues below This deal is for the entry-level Evolution trim, which, rather impressively, gets you 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, a 10.4-inch touchscreen with a Google-based operating system, a rear-view camera, and automatic climate control. Under the bonnet lies one of Renault's 1.0-litre petrol engines. Admittedly, this isn't the quickest engine around, with 0-62mph taking a very leisurely 14 seconds. But, on the plus side, it's smooth enough, and the six-speed manual gearbox is a delight to use. Fuel economy, meanwhile, stands at nearly 48mpg. While speed isn't on the Captur 1.0 Tce's side, comfort most certainly is. It's a very soft-riding car, giving a cosseting ride. At cruising speeds, the Captur belies its size and feels very refined; it's also super-quiet at higher speeds. Thanks to a refresh last year, the exterior neatly covers the Captur's age, and the interior is nicely modern too thanks to an overhauled infotainment set-up. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Renault Captur leasing offers from leading providers on our Renault Captur page. Check out the Renault Captur deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range Five EVs under £24k have joined Dacia's Spring on the UK market. How far can you go on a budget? We find out New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k Citroen's revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price The 'car with no rear window' is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It's our Deal of the Day for July 28
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
F1 world champion to stay at Red Bull for another season
Max Verstappen has confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season, ending speculation about his future. Despite a £50m-a-year deal until 2028, Verstappen had been strongly linked with Mercedes, partly due to an exit clause if he fell below third in the drivers' standings. His decision follows the dismissal of Christian Horner as team principal and with Verstappen now guaranteed to be at least third in the championship. Verstappen stated he is already discussing 2026 plans with Red Bull and criticised those who 'stir the pot' with rumours. Consequently, George Russell is now expected to stay at Mercedes alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli, with their contract lengths yet to be finalised.
