testcentreNational Statistics
Driving Test Waiting Times
The national median wait for a car practical test is 11 weeks as of May 2026. Here's the trend, and the centres booking soonest and latest.
11 weeks
Typical wait to take a test, May 2026
9.3%
63,749 of 688,642 standard tests
624,893
Of 688,642 made available, May 2026
31,475
Extra tests added via overtime, May 2026
The wait over time
National median waiting time by month. The post-pandemic backlog pushed waits to record highs - watch the line for whether they're easing.
Recent months in numbers
The latest months in full - median wait, standard slots made available, how many were booked, and what's left.
| Month | Median wait | Slots made | Booked | Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | 11 weeks | 688,642 | 624,893 | 9.3% |
| April 2026 | 10 weeks | 679,715 | 624,005 | 8.2% |
| March 2026 | 10 weeks | 664,782 | 613,930 | 7.6% |
| February 2026 | 11 weeks | 663,292 | 618,309 | 6.8% |
| January 2026 | 11 weeks | 659,983 | 618,436 | 6.3% |
| December 2025 | 11 weeks | 641,800 | 602,490 | 6.1% |
Shortest waits
The four centres booking soonest right now. Pass rates are shown too - a short wait at a tough centre may not be the bargain it looks.
Longest waits
The four centres with the longest queues. Browse all centres → to sort by wait.