Britain’s driving‑test backlog has swollen to an average of 22 weeks in England and Scotland, up from five weeks pre‑pandemic. The surge follows a pandemic‑era loss of 1.1 million exams and a shortage of examiners, pushing many into a long‑term wait.

The delay has spurred a secondary market where test slots are resold for up to eight times the official 62‑pound fee. Learners risk losing skills while waiting; a recent study shows a national pass rate near 50 %. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency now counts 108 examiners, a modest increase.

Business owners and driving schools face shrinking revenue as clients delay or abandon lessons. The agency’s new booking limits—only two changes per slot—aim to curb abuse, but the target of seven‑week waits will not materialise until 2027. A stagnant system hurts both consumers and the industry.

Drivers who fail risk adding another 5‑6 month wait, further draining time and resources. The situation highlights a regulatory gap that will cost the economy and commuters alike.