Overview

• New figures show 603,352 practical driving tests are booked as of April 2025, the highest on record, reflecting surging demand and systemic issues.
• Tests conducted between January and April 2025 dropped 15% compared to the same period in 2024, intensifying the backlog.
• The government has introduced 10,000 extra monthly test slots, overtime pay for examiners, and doubled trainer capacity to address the crisis.
• An expedited eight-week consultation aims to reform the booking system and curb bots hoarding test slots for resale.
• April's pass rate of 50.2% is the highest since August 2021, suggesting more learners are waiting until fully prepared before booking tests.