UK Driving Test Backlog Continues

A report by the United Kingdom — National Audit Office revealed that the target for reducing average driving test waiting times in the United Kingdom to seven weeks is not expected to be met until November 2027, two years later than initially planned. This delay is largely due to the United Kingdom — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's repeated failure to recruit enough examiners and its struggle to accurately assess demand due to 'bots' used by third parties. The backlog, exacerbated by Covid-19 restrictions, has led to nearly one in three learners paying up to £500 to third parties for test slots. The United Kingdom — National Audit Office has recommended that the United Kingdom — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the United Kingdom — Department for Transport take decisive action. In response, Transport Secretary Alexander Wang announced measures including mobilizing military driving examiners and restricting test bookings to learners. Beverley Warmington has also been appointed as the new chief executive of the United Kingdom — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to address the issue.