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30.10.2023

How to Reduce Driving Test Waiting Time

At Pass in Days, we understand the frustration of lengthy driving test waiting times. That’s why we’re committed to helping you get behind the wheel faster. With the demand for practical driving tests on the rise, we take action to make this process faster. How? Read our article to find out!

Driving Test Waiting Times in the UK: A Closer Look

As of October 16, 2023, the national average car driving test waiting time stands at 18.8 weeks; sometimes, however, waiting time is as long as 6 months. Driving test appointments become available on a rolling 24-week basis, making the situation fluid. When examiners transfer or new ones join a center, appointment capacities change. Not to mention that some aspiring drivers cancel their test appointments, thus making additional places available. This dynamic nature means waiting times can suddenly change but to track such changes one needs to check the DVSA online booking service for several hours a day continously.

Tracking Waiting Times Nationwide

Waiting times across different test centers are tracked and reported by the DVSA. As of October 16, 2023, there were:

  • 36 centers with a waiting time up to 9 weeks (14.8%)
  • 103 centers with a waiting time between 10 and 23 weeks (42.4%)
  • 104 centers with a waiting time of 24 weeks (42.8%)

It doesn’t seem promising, does it? Especially for somebody who wants to get on the road as soon as possible reducing practical test waiting time is of the essence. Not to mention that, after taking your course, you want to sit the test straightaway withoug the necessity of buying extra lessons.

Beyond Waiting Times: Ensuring Availability

In the face of overwhelming demand, DVSA is making efforts to increase test availability. However, it’s essential to recognize that the current situation is challenging, and these measures, while commendable, may not fully address the growing demand for driving tests. Conducting tests outside regular hours or inviting retired examiners back into service have helped create extra driving test slots per month since April 2021. While these actions represent a step in the right direction, they may not be sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand for driving tests. This is evident for anyone who enteres a DVSA booking calendar in order to book a practical driving test.

Pass in Days: Your Fast-Track to Practical Driving Tests

Now, you might wonder if Pass in Days has special access to test bookings. The truth is, we don’t. We simply understand that searching for available tests is a time-consuming process, one you can do yourself by monitoring the DVSA website meticulously.

However, we take this burden off your shoulders. We are happy to reduce your practical driving test waiting time as much as possible.

With our dedicated staff continuously scanning the DVSA website, we secure between 60 and 100 driving test slots monthly for our clients. These slots become available when others cancel their bookings. This is why, booking with Pass in Days, you are likely to sit your practical driving test 1 or 2 weeks after your driving course. And it’s included in the price of the course! While occasional delays may occur, they are rare and typically short.

With almost a decade of experience in this field, we’ve honed our ability to find driving tests efficiently. Your success is our priority, and we’re here to help you fast-track your journey to becoming a licensed driver.

With Pass in Days, you can navigate the complexities of driving test waiting times with ease. We’re dedicated to getting you on the road as quickly as possible, so you can embrace the freedom of driving sooner rather than later.

And to make sure you are safe and ready for your test we offer best quality:

all in intensive format! Your instructor will conduct a mock test on the last day of your course for some additional practice and valuable feedback before your actual driving test.

Don’t let waiting times slow you down – contact Pass in Days for a swift and successful journey to your driving dreams!

Find Courses Available

View available courses with prices & book online!

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10-Day Course

(For beginners or those starting fresh)

40 hrs & one “Fast-Track” Driving test included

from £1999

10-day course. This course is intended for individuals with little to no driving experience and includes a total of 40 hours.

The 10-day course is most suitable for clients who:

 

  • have no prior driving experience but are confident in their ability to learn quickly (note that 4 hours per day can be very exhausting, even with a break halfway through);
  • have taken some driving lessons, but still feel the need to start “from scratch”;
  • took a driving test many years ago, but would like to start “from scratch”;
  • were almost ready to sit a driving test, but it was many years ago, and they would like to start “from scratch”.

Please note, learning to drive is a very individual process and you might need additional lessons after your course, if you are not safe & test ready.

What's included in the price?

  • Lessons on One to One Basis
  • “Fastrack” Driving Test Included**
  • Theory Course Included
  • Mock Test Included
  • Pick up from Home*

* subject to location & availability **subject to being safe

7-Day Course

(For those who know the basics)

30 hrs & one “Fast-Track” Driving test included

from £1599

7-day course. With a total duration of 30 hours, this course is suitable for clients who:

  • have completed at least 10 hours of driving lessons with an approved instructor recently (e.g., within the last 6 months);
  • have undertaken at least 10 hours of private practice recently (e.g., within the last 6 months) and mastered the basics;
  • have taken a driving test within the past 4-10 years, but failed;
  • were nearly ready to sit a driving test within the past 4-10 years.

Participants in this course should have a grasp of basic skills, including basic clutch control, moving off and stopping, dealing with easy junctions, progressive braking, gears, and easy hill starts.

Please note, learning to drive is a very individual process and you might need additional lessons after your course, if you are not safe & test ready.

What's included in the price?

  • Lessons on One to One Basis
  • “Fastrack” Driving Test Included**
  • Theory Course Included
  • Mock Test Included
  • Pick up from Home*

* subject to location & availability **subject to being safe

5-Day Course

(for learners who are intermediate)

20 hrs & one “Fast-Track” Driving test included

from £1199

5-day course. This course totaling 20 hours, is designed for intermediate clients who:

  • have taken at least 20 hours of driving lessons with a qualified instructor recently (e.g., within the last 6 months) and feel about halfway to being test-ready;
  • have engaged in extensive private practice in a safe and legal way (e.g., lessons with family) amounting to a minimum of 20 hours recently (e.g., within the last 6 months) and feel about halfway there;
  • have experience driving various vehicles (e.g. farm vehicles) on private land from a young age, are comfortable with car control, and just need experience on main roads;
  • had many driving lessons and have failed a driving test within the past 3 years;
  • were nearly ready to sit a driving test within the past 2-3 years;
  • have a car driving licence from abroad and are legally allowed to drive in the UK for some time (check DVSA guidance), but need to prepare for a UK Car Driving Test.

Participants in this course should be confident in fundamental car skills, including clutch control, gears, hill starts, negotiating easy junctions, maneuvering through easy roundabouts, and performing at least one of the maneuvers.

Please note, learning to drive is a very individual process and you might need additional lessons after your course, if you are not safe & test ready.

What's included in the price?

  • Lessons on One to One Basis
  • “Fastrack” Driving Test Included**
  • Theory Course Included
  • Mock Test Included
  • Pick up from Home*

* subject to location & availability **subject to being safe