Driving test delays 'adding to' instructor shortage

Efforts to clear the backlog of learner drivers waiting to sit their practical test are "hampering" the recruitment of new instructors.

The UK government has announced steps aimed at making thousands of additional tests available every month.

But trainee instructors have said delays in booking their own exams, "astronomical" costs and a "convoluted" testing process are deterring people from the industry.

There are now more than 6,000 fewer registered instructors compared to 2011, according to Department of Transport figures, and instructors fear the system is at risk of "grinding to a halt".

"There are just not enough examiners to go around," said Elwyn Marfell-Jones, 60, principal instructor of Auto Learners driving school in Swansea.

"Many examiners for instructors are are being pulled across to help clear the backlog of driver tests but that is having a knock-on effect for teaching new instructors.

"We're in a mess when you consider this problem has been getting steadily worse since Covid and nothing has been done about it. It's been coming and the system is going to come to a grinding halt."

Trainee instructors have two years from the date of sitting the first of four tests to qualify, but often have to wait months for an exam date, leaving many struggling to complete the course in the required timeframe.

"The expense can now be astronomical with the cost of tests and paying £50 an hour for at least 40 hours training," said Mr Marfell-Jones.

"And the tests are prohibitively difficult. When you have a very low pass rate of about 28%, you have to ask if something is wrong with the tests."

Mr Marfell-Jones is teaching four trainee instructors but fears not all will complete the course.

"One instructor had her test cancelled on the morning of the test and had to wait four months for a new date," he said.

"The stress and expense of getting through the training in an ever diminishing window could well prove too much for her.

"She has worked really hard to get a new career while also being a carer at home, but has been hugely frustrated by the lack of tests available.

"I think she is seriously questioning whether to carry on, which would be a real shame because we don't have enough instructors, let alone female instructors in the industry."

There are also concerns that a shortage of examiners means instructors are unable to undergo a standards check every four years - sometimes waiting up to twice that long.

A DVSA spokesperson said: "Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) help learners to get the right skills, knowledge, and attitude to enjoy a lifetime of safe driving.

"We are working hard to increase test availability for those wanting to become driving instructors. We always strive to make sure that all ADI tests go ahead wherever possible.

"The standards expected of ADIs are exceptionally high and are continually reviewed to make sure that they can help keep Britain's roads some of the safest in the world."

Driving test delays

Three quarters of the 319 driving test centres across Great Britain have hit the maximum average waiting time of 24 weeks to book a practical test, the BBC has found.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has instructed the DVSA to intensify efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.

That will include doubling examiner training capacity to ensure newly recruited driving examiners can qualify "as quickly as possible".

But Lynne Barrie, president of the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council, have questioned the plans.

"The seven-point plan, which they started to introduce in December 2024, just is not working," she said.

"Some 25% of it was about consultations but that's not action, and whilst we are getting new examiners in, there are a large number leaving the profession as well."

She added: "We can have as many driving examiners and tests as we like but until we stop people selling on test slots for fraudulent amounts of money then the situation will remain challenging."