Backlogs and bots: Why new drivers are struggling to ditch their L plates

Why are new drivers struggling to get their license?

Ever wondered why there seem to be more learner drivers on our roads these days? The driving test backlog isn't just a post-pandemic hangover – it's become a serious roadblock for anyone looking to earn their licence.

Back in 2020, when the world hit the brakes during Covid, driving tests ground to a halt and waiting lists stretched for months.

But why, years after lockdowns ended, are new drivers still struggling to book tests and get behind the wheel?

The DVSA has even introduced new rules to prevent booking system exploitation, aiming to make appointments more accessible and tackle the backlog.

But that's just the start of the journey.

With the cost of living tightening its grip, many potential drivers can't afford regular lessons – and even if they pass, the financial road ahead looks steep. Insurance premiums, fuel costs, road tax, and maintenance all add up to a hefty bill

But let’s dive into the factors affecting driving pass rates and why getting those L plates off has become such a marathon, rather than a sprint.

How the initial backlog started

It’s hard to keep taking lessons – or your test – during a lockdown. The UK went through three lockdown periods between March 2020 and February 2021, so the backlog we’re still faced with now was inevitable.

People continued to turn 17 during the pandemic and were unable to start learning. Those who were still in the learning process were unable to progress any further.

In total, estimates put the initial number of disrupted pupils at around 500,000. But with more new learners coming along behind them, the total number of people waiting for lessons and tests keeps rising.

But even between lockdowns, it would’ve been difficult for pupils to pass their test given the stringent rules around social distancing.

We all remember being told to stay in our ‘bubbles’, to maintain a two-metre distance from others, and to limit how many people we came into contact with.

Who could take a driving test in these conditions without breaking the official government guidance?

Pupils, instructors and examiners were all knee-capped by this policy and while it was absolutely the correct move at the time, there have been long term consequences.

And unfortunately, some have been quick to take advantage of the ongoing situation for their own benefit.

Black market bandits

If you’re any kind of music fan, you’re probably aware of the madness around ticket release dates. Think Taylor Swift, Glastonbury and Beyonce, and the fans who set alarms so they can wake up at ungodly hours to try and beat the rush on Ticketmaster.

Prices keep going up and tickets are in high, high demand.

It’s possible this mania is the exact inspiration for a league of black market ‘brokers’ that has sprung up in the wake of the driving test backlog.

Not only have these businesses recognised a demand, but they’ve actively worked to exacerbate it by snapping up any and all available driving test slots they can.

For what end? Nothing but profit, it seems.

When test slots are available, pupils can purchase one for £62 through the DVSA booking system. But what if there are no slots available at all?

How much would you be prepared to pay for your test, if there was nothing available to book for over six months and the situation showed no signs of changing?

As early as 2022, it was reported that learners were paying upwards of £200 to some of these firms that have been booking up driving test slots in bulk. And this continued for some time, with the prices steadily rising.

These brokers were using ‘bots’ to snap up as many available slots as possible, shutting out the genuine drivers who need them.

In other words, they’ve taken control of the supply to control the demand and set the going price at extortionate levels.

But surely the DVSA should be doing something to prevent this exploitation?

What are the DVSA doing?

The DVSA stepped in with new rules to prevent this exploitation. From April 8, 2025, they introduced a 10-day cancellation rule, requiring learners to give 10 full working days' notice (up from just 3) to change or cancel their driving test without losing their fee.

This aims to prevent last-minute cancellations that often result in wasted appointments.

Building on this, from July 1, 2025, the DVSA updated its Practical Test Business Service Agreement with even stronger measures:

• A strict ban on booking and reselling driving test slots for profit
• Requirements that all bookings use authentic provisional licence details with the informed consent of the actual learner
• Authority for the DVSA to request evidence that the person named on a booking is a genuine pupil who has agreed to the test arrangement
• Stricter penalties including immediate removal from the Business Booking Service and potential legal consequences for fraudulent activity

These comprehensive measures aim to free up over 10,000 additional test slots nationally and reduce average waiting times to under 7 weeks by early 2026, putting an end to the black market that has been exploiting desperate learner drivers.

The cost of living roadblock

It's not just test backlogs and opportunistic brokers creating obstacles – the soaring cost of learning to drive amidst the cost of living crisis has become a major roadblock in itself.

Recent data reveals just how expensive getting on the road has become. Starting with a £34 provisional licence and a £23 theory test, learners face their biggest expense in driving lessons, now averaging £35-£42 per hour depending on location.

With most needing around 45 hours of instruction, that's approximately £1,575 for basic lessons – not counting additional hours to stay "test-ready" during long waiting periods.

The financial impact is clear:

• Nearly one-third of drivers have cut down their time behind the wheel
• One in five have considered selling their car specifically due to running costs
• 26% of young drivers have delayed taking their test due to rising costs
• 20% are taking a break from learning altogether

For those who do pass, expenses continue mounting.

Between insurance, fuel, maintenance, and tax, new drivers typically spend between £1,200-£1,800 annually just to keep their vehicle running – with younger drivers often paying double.

With the cost of living squeezing budgets from all sides, it's no wonder more L plates are staying on for longer – many learners simply can't afford to complete their journey to a full licence.

The road to independence

The path to ditching those L plates has certainly become more challenging in recent years. From pandemic backlogs to opportunistic scalpers and the rising cost of driving, new drivers face obstacles that weren't there for previous generations.

However, with the DVSA's robust new measures to tackle test booking exploitation and plans to significantly reduce waiting times, there's light at the end of the tunnel for learners.

For those currently navigating this journey, patience and preparation remain key. Book through official channels, plan your learning journey realistically, and consider test centres with shorter waiting lists if possible.

Remember that once you do pass, Carparison is here to help make your first car as accessible as possible with affordable leasing options designed for newly qualified drivers. After all, the independence that comes with that full licence is worth the wait.

The road may be congested right now, but for determined learners, those L plates will soon be in the rearview mirror.