Newbury Learners Face 24-Week Wait for Driving Tests

Learner drivers in Newbury are currently facing significant delays when booking practical driving tests, with the average wait time reaching an alarming 24 weeks at the Greenham test centre. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has acknowledged these prolonged waiting periods, which reflect a broader issue across Great Britain, where the average waiting time stands at 21.9 weeks as of late October.

The situation has drawn attention from local officials, notably Newbury’s MP, Lee Dillon, who highlighted the challenges faced by learners in Parliament. He reported that some individuals in the area have experienced waits of up to 12 months for their tests, exacerbated by the residual effects of the pandemic. These revelations prompted a response from the Department for Transport, which has proposed measures to alleviate the backlog.

Government Initiatives to Reduce Backlogs

In an effort to expedite the testing process, the government will enlist 36 driving examiners from the Ministry of Defence. This initiative aims to facilitate an additional 6,500 tests over the coming year, a much-needed boost in resources to help clear the current backlog.

To further manage demand, new regulations will limit driving test changes. Learners will now be allowed only two modifications to their test bookings—whether changing dates or locations—before they must cancel and rebook. Additionally, they will be restricted to a select number of test centres near their original booking. Importantly, only learner drivers will be permitted to book their own tests, eliminating the option for instructors to do so on their behalf.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander addressed the issue, stating, “We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-Plates, who have been sadly forced to endure record waiting times for their tests.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that every learner has a fair opportunity to take their test, affirming that these measures are designed to help learners get on the road sooner.

Impact on Learner Drivers

The ongoing delays highlight a critical challenge for learner drivers in Newbury and beyond. The data from the DVSA indicates that between June and September 2025, there was an increase of nearly 42,000 tests conducted compared to the same period in the previous year. Despite this progress, the backlog remains a pressing concern.

As the DVSA implements these new measures, it remains to be seen how quickly they will have an effect on waiting times. The commitment to hiring additional examiners represents a proactive step, yet the real test will be whether these changes can produce tangible results for frustrated learner drivers in Newbury.