Soldiers Deployed to Tackle Driving Test Delays
The Driving Test Backlog Crisis in the UK
The UK is facing a severe crisis in its driving test system, with over 600,000 learners waiting for their practical tests. This backlog has grown significantly since the onset of the pandemic, when driving test centres were forced to close for months in 2020. Since then, the number of learners waiting to take their tests has only continued to rise.
To address this issue, the government has taken an unprecedented step by involving the military to help clear the backlog. The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that Defence Driving Examiners (DDEs) will be deployed to test centres in England with the longest waiting times. These DDEs, who are made up of civilian Ministry of Defence personnel, will conduct additional practical driving tests each month, adding around 6,500 more tests per month.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the Labour Government inherited an enormous backlog of learners who have been "sadly forced to endure record waiting times for their tests." She emphasized that new measures will help these learners get on the road sooner.
Military Involvement in Driving Tests
The deployment of military personnel to conduct driving tests is part of a broader strategy to tackle the five-year problem of long waiting times. A total of 36 DDEs will be seconded from the Ministry of Defence to conduct driving tests one day a week for 12 months. These examiners will primarily focus on car driving tests but will also have the flexibility to carry out vocational tests for bus and lorry drivers if needed.
"Their availability will come hand-in-hand with new measures to stamp out reselling of tests," the DfT said. This move aims to combat a growing black market where scammers use bots to mass-book available slots, inflating prices and re-selling them to the highest bidder. Learners have reported paying up to £300 for early test slots, which are far above the standard rate of £62 for weekday tests or £75 for weekend or evening slots.
Addressing the Black Market
The situation has led to a significant increase in driving test fraud. A recent freedom of information request revealed that driving test fraud has almost tripled since the start of the year. The average wait time for a practical driving test in Britain has reached 21.8 weeks, fueling a huge black market for slots.
Government data showed that the total lost by learner drivers securing tests on 'closed' social media groups grew from £12,331 in January to £33,850 in August. Records also indicate that over £134,000 has been lost to driving test booking scams in the first eight months of 2025.
To combat this, the DfT will introduce new measures, including a limit on rearranging tests and a ban on third parties booking on behalf of learners. Learner drivers will only be able to make up to two changes to their test before it must be cancelled and rebooked. They will also be restricted to a limited number of test centres located close to their original booking.
Impact on Learners and Industry
Steve Gooding from the RAC Foundation welcomed the new rules, stating they would reassure learners stuck in the backlog that they "aren't being elbowed aside by those simply seeking to make a quick buck."
The involvement of military driving examiners is not only beneficial for reducing the backlog but also helps keep their skills "sharp." The Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, authorized the deployment of military driving examiners, stating there would be "no negative impact" on military operations.
Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, supported the deployment of military testers but emphasized the need for long-term, sustained action to bring waiting times back to pre-pandemic levels. She highlighted the importance of recruiting and retaining more examiners to ensure a sustainable increase in the number of tests delivered.
Continued Challenges
Despite recent efforts, the backlog remains a significant challenge. Just last month, the government announced that more driving test slots are being made available to tackle the severe backlog. However, the number of learners with future tests booked has increased by 15% compared to a year ago.
Richard Holden MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, criticized the government's handling of the backlog, accusing the Labour Party of failing to deliver. He stated that the only thing the government has managed to drive up are the waiting times.
