Sooner (practical tests)

730,000 tests were cancelled due to Covid. The backlog must be fitted among usual demand, so waiting times remain long. It's like the NHS catching up with operations: you can't just 'create' more surgeons and hospitals.  Also, customer behaviour has changed, making it harder for the DVSA to predict where to allocate examiners.  They have published plans, continue to make changes to the booking system, but progress is slow.

​So, my professional advice is:

1. Don't take a test till we are 90% sure you'll pass (retesting delays everyone)
2. Practice, to consolidate what you've learned; maybe even buy a car?
3. Consider test centres where tests are cancelled more often
4. ​Be prepared to travel further (we can discuss, and usually visit the area)
5. Pay reputable staff (such as the office at Homers driving school) to look for you
6. Consider sharing your personal details with apps like Testi and TestShift

Before you DO take your test, know what examiners look for and how they'll behave (including what they’ll say).  We'll do mock tests too, so you can prepare a strategy to handle any worries on the day.