Thousands of motorists across the UK could be left waiting months to receive their driving licence, according to concerning new data.
Fresh research shows that half of learner motorists are having to wait more than four months between booking and taking a driving test.
Many young motorists are being hampered by long delays in the driving test booking system as more people attempt to get their licences.
Test centres in some of the largest cities, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, have backlogs lasting around four months.
The average waiting time between booking and taking a test in June was 17.3 weeks or longer at 60 test centres.
Learner motorists in Forfar, in Angus, Scotland, are facing the longest delays at a staggering 29.7 weeks, or almost seven months.
The data, which was analysed by PA, is from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s monthly statistics for 313 test centres.
The RAC Foundation said the delays are “frustrating” for young motorists who are trying to gain fresh independence by getting behind the wheel.
Motorists are having to wait more than four months for a driving test, fresh data shows
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Steve Gooding, director of the organisation, said: “Greater transparency from the DVSA about the realities of getting a driving test booking at individual centres is to be welcomed.
“The picture that emerges shows where management attention is most keenly needed in order to get the waiting time back down.
“A four-month wait between making the booking and taking the test is still way longer than the DVSA ultimately hopes to achieve.”
He acknowledged that it was frustrating, but called for learner drivers to make good use of their time by ensuring they are ready for their test.
Some younger learner drivers have been forced to wait months for a driving test | PA
DVSA data shows that the average waiting time to book a test was 20.9 weeks, or almost five months, in June.
In comparison, motorists had to wait just 5.8 weeks in February 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic.
The DVSA missed a target set out by the Government to reduce the waiting time figure to seven weeks by the end of last year.
In a recent update from the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander warned that the target may not be achieved until autumn 2027.
The DVSA has introduced new driving test data to provide greater transparency for motorists | X/DVSAGOVUK
The DVSA has taken steps to reduce the backlog by recruiting more examiners, using military trainers and reforming the booking process to crack down on fraudsters.
A DVSA spokesperson said: “Our latest data shows the median waiting time for Great Britain was 10.7 weeks in June 2026.
“Test slot availability was at its highest point since November 2024 and the pass rate remains above 50 per cent. But we recognise how frustrating it is for every learner who has to wait longer for their test date.
“That’s why we’re continuing to put more tests into the system, with almost 280,000 extra tests carried out since June 2025.”