Getting a driving license in the UK has now become more challenging than ever. Thousands of new drivers are waiting for their test for months due to the driving test backlog. Meanwhile, rumors are also spreading that the driving license fee may be increased to £249. However, there has been no such official announcement from the government yet.
In this article, we will understand the current situation of the driving test backlog, clarify the actual cost of a driving license, and share useful tips for those who want to take their driving test as soon as possible.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving Licence Fee | No official confirmation of an increase to £249; the current fee for a provisional licence is £34 online, £43 by post |
| Driving Test Backlog | Waiting times exceed three months in some areas; the DVSA is working to reduce this to seven weeks by late 2025 |
| New DVSA Measures | Hiring of additional examiners, improved booking system, and stricter policies on slot resale |
| Regional Test Disparities | Pass rates vary widely, with some centres reporting pass rates as low as 8%, while others exceed 90% |
| Official Website | GOV.UK – Driving Licence Fee |
Will the driving license fee really reach £249?
So far, several reports have been circulating online about the possibility of the driving license fee in the UK being raised to £249. Especially for new drivers, such an inconsequential rumor could be intimidating. But the DVLA or the DVSA has made no confirmation about any such increase.
Current Driving License Fees (2025):
So, those worried about the driving license fee increase should get updates from the official site of GOV.UK for any misinformation. Driving Test Backlog Problem in the UK The driving test backlog problem continues to boggle new drivers in the UK. The main reason for this is driving test cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 1,000,000 driving tests were cancelled because of the pandemic, severely hampering the systems.
The major reasons for driving test delays are:
- High demand for driving tests
- Lack of driving examiners
- Many candidates are repeatedly failing the test.
- As of 2025, waiting times for driving tests remain over 12 weeks for major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
What is being done by the DVSA to clear the driving test backlog?
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) put into action a seven-point strategy to counter the driving tests’ backlogs.
- The following steps are being taken under this:
- Recruitment of new driving examiners: More than 450 new examiners will be recruited.
- Extending testing hours: Some test centers are offering tests early in the morning and on weekends.
- Improving the booking system: The system has been designed in such a way that third-party agencies cannot book test slots in bulk and sell them at a high price.
- Encouraging learners to prepare better: The DVSA believes candidates should book their tests only when they are truly ready.
- Cancelled slots to be reused: Cancelled tests are immediately freed up for others to book.
- Temporary testing locations: New temporary testing centers are being opened up in areas with the highest test backlog.
- Partnerships with driving instructors: To ensure instructors provide proper preparation for the test.
The DVSA intends to reduce driving test waiting time to 7 weeks by the end of 2025.
Driving test pass rates around the UK by region The pass rate at the different driving test centers across the UK does not remain constant. Reports say rural areas are supposed to have a better chance of passing a driving test, while urban areas would have a lesser rate.
The reasons for the disparity are traffic conditions in urban areas, very convoluted road infrastructure, and a more stressful atmosphere for performing the test.
How to Book a Driving Test Slot Soon?
Regulations Against Black Marketing of Driving Test Slots
Some third-party companies would book driving test slots in bulk and then resell them for marked-up prices. Many candidates would pay as high as £200 instead of just £62.
- To counter this, the DVSA has put in place new regulations:
- Entering personal details at the time of making the booking is now mandatory.
- Accounts of those attempting to resell the slots shall get blocked.’
- Identity verification processes have been intensified.
Conclusion:
The driving test backlog in the UK continues to be a monumental issue, but the DVSA is taking a plethora of measures to alleviate it. If you want to pass your test ASAP, you should maintain good preparations, keep looking for new slots, and consider taking the test in another city if necessary.
Regarding the driving license fee of £249, this has not been confirmed as of yet. Therefore, rather than depend upon hearsay, it is reasonable to back up all authentic information from the official one on GOV.UK.
FAQs
Q.1 Will the driving license fee increase to £249?
A. No, there is no official confirmation of an increase. The current fee for a provisional driving license remains at £34 online and £43 by post.
Q.2 How long is the current waiting time for a driving test?
A. Waiting times vary by location, with some test centers reporting delays of over three months, while others have availability within a few weeks.
Q.3 What is the government doing to reduce the backlog?
A. The DVSA has implemented a seven-point plan, including hiring new examiners, extending working hours, and improving the booking system.
Q.4 How can I book an earlier test date?
A. Frequent monitoring of cancellations and using cancellation apps can help you secure an earlier test date.
Q.5 What should I do if I can’t get a test slot in my area?
A. Consider booking at a different test center or exploring temporary testing sites set up by the DVSA.