Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has made on reducing driving test waiting times in the South East since April 2025.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency fully acknowledges car practical driving test waiting times remain high and understands the impact this continues to have on learner drivers. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.

On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times, and announced further actions. The government remains committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including in the Southeast to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.

Between June - October 2025, DVSA has conducted an extra 56,336 total tests when compared to the same period in 2024. This increase can largely be attributed to the additional test allowance scheme the agency introduce in June 2025.