Learner drivers will have to wait a month before rebooking tests as backlog mounts

Learner drivers who have failed their test will have to wait a month before rebooking as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Standards Agency (DVSA) struggles with a backlog.

The DVSA said it was now changing the booking system in a bid to try to deter those not ready to pass their test.

Under the new rules, the DVSA will look to extend the period that failing drivers will be able to book their next test, from 10 days to 28 days.

According to the DVSA's data from February this year, around 53 per cent of tests are failed, and examiners are having to physically intervene in more than 12 per cent of tests for safety reasons.

The agency will also try to extend the notice period during which a cancelled car test will result in a lost fee from three to 10 days.

The changes come as the number of drivers who fail their test is on the increase, while the backlog for securing a driving test has also grown since the pandemic.

According to DVSA figures, around 53 per cent of tests are failed, and examiners are having to physically intervene in more than 12 per cent of tests for safety reasons.

The Telegraph reported in January that there were 66 test centres across the country where those trying to book a test were being forced to wait more than 24 weeks.

Tests were banned during lockdown which created a massive backlog, hitting more than half a million at one point.

The current average wait for a driving test across Britain is 15.5 weeks, while learners must wait more than seven weeks for an examination at nine out of 10 test centres.

'This will help make more tests available'

Loveday Ryder, the chief executive of the DVSA, urged learner drivers to check the agency's website for advice before booking a test.

"With more than half of people failing their driving test, it is clear more needs to be done to make sure learner drivers only take their test when they are fully prepared," she said.

"These new measures will help make sure test-ready learners find appointments and give those who fail more time for more practice.

"I also urge learners to check out our Ready to Pass? website to make sure they're ready - and delay their test if they're not.

"This will help make more tests available and prevent them having to pay to retest."