Summary of the audit finding
The hope of a seven-week driving test wait in Great Britain by the end of the year has been dashed. An official audit has concluded that achieving this target is unlikely until November 2027. The report highlights persistent staffing gaps and slower-than-planned progress in recruiting and training driving examiners, despite multiple recruitment campaigns since 2021.
What the seven-week target promised
Governments and road safety agencies have long pitched a shorter driving-test wait as a measure to improve mobility and reduce stress for learners. A seven-week wait would mean significantly faster access to testing for thousands of applicants awaiting their driving licence. The plan rests on expanding the pool of examiners, streamlining scheduling, and eliminating bottlenecks in the test system. However, the audit shows that the target remains out of reach, with November 2027 identified as the earliest feasible milestone given current trajectories.
Key findings of the audit
The audit examined the staffing, recruitment, training, and operational processes behind the driving test service. It found that:
- Only a net 83 additional driving test examiners have joined the workforce since 2021, despite 19 recruitment campaigns.
- Recruitment has not translated into a proportional increase in available test slots as promptly as required.
- Training periods, examiner throughput, and scheduling efficiency remain limiting factors in reducing wait times.
- Systemic bottlenecks, including venue availability and administrative processes, continue to affect capacity expansion.
Implications for learner drivers
For learner drivers, the extended wait times translate into longer periods of preparation and uncertainty. While many applicants try to balance work, study, and training, persistent delays can increase frustration and may have downstream effects on road safety campaigns and licensing incentives. The government faces pressure to accelerate reforms that can deliver tangible, shorter waits without compromising safety and examiner standards.
What could change the trajectory
Experts suggest several levers that could help close the gap toward a seven-week wait, including:
- Expanding the examiner workforce more aggressively, potentially with enhanced recruitment incentives and streamlined onboarding.
- Increasing the number of test venues and optimizing scheduling algorithms to maximize daily test capacity.
- Investing in training programs to shorten the time from recruitment to fully qualified examiner status while maintaining testing quality.
- Adopting flexible testing options, such as part-time or regional test hubs, to relieve congestion in peak periods.
What this means for policymakers
The audit’s findings place a spotlight on the need for a comprehensive capacity expansion plan with clear milestones. Policymakers will need to balance the urgency of shorter wait times with the ongoing requirement to uphold rigorous safety standards and thorough examiner training. Transparency around progress and realistic timelines will be essential to maintaining public trust as the system undergoes reform.
Conclusion
While the ambition of a seven-week driving test wait in Great Britain remains a policy goal, the latest audit indicates that November 2027 is the soonest credible target under current conditions. Stakeholders—from learners to driving schools and examiner unions—will be watching closely as strategies are adjusted, funding is allocated, and capacity is expanded to meet demand more effectively.
