Locked out of work: why Britain’s driving test backlog is holding young people back

For many young people, passing their driving test is more than a milestone, it’s their route into work.

But new analysis suggests thousands are being held back by long waits for driving tests, making it harder to access jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

Research by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), based on department for transport data, found learners in England now have to look around 21 weeks ahead to find an available driving test slot. That's more than four times the average wait of just five weeks in 2020.

You may not even be able to book a test

The problem isn't just the wait time. Many learners can't find a test slot at all.

In September 2025, around 70% of test centres had reached the maximum 24-week booking limit, meaning there were no tests available to book.

In 2026, average availability across English test centres remains just 7.7% of all test slots.

For many learners, that means months of uncertainty, extra lessons and additional costs while waiting for a chance to take their test.

Why your driving licence could affect your career

The findings came as students across the country received their GCSE results and began making decisions about their future.

The CSJ warns that a driving licence is becoming more important for finding work.

According to its analysis:

• 17.4% of all job vacancies require applicants to be able to drive
• 34% of care and social work jobs require a licence
• 68% of plumbing vacancies require applicants to drive

If you can't get a test, you could find yourself unable to apply for jobs you're otherwise qualified to do.

Fewer young people are getting behind the wheel

The number of young people holding a full driving licence has fallen sharply over the past three decades.

In 1994, almost half (48%) of 17 to 20-year-olds in England had a full car licence.

By 2024, that figure had fallen to just 29%.

At the same time, the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) has continued to rise.

More than one million young people are now outside education, employment or training, with more than 250,000 additional young people becoming NEET over the past five years.

The CSJ believes the driving test backlog is becoming another barrier preventing young people from accessing work and training opportunities.

What changes are being proposed?

The CSJ is calling on the government to increase testing capacity by working more closely with employers, colleges and training providers.

Its recommendations include:

Let employers run driving tests for staff

The think tank wants accredited employers to be allowed to conduct standard car driving tests for their own employees, building on a scheme already used for HGV drivers and some emergency services.

Create regional driving test hubs

Large employers could offer spare testing capacity to colleges, apprentices and smaller businesses in their area.

Help learners cover test costs

Colleges and employers could be allowed to use vocational training and apprenticeship funding to pay for driving tests where a licence is needed for work.

The aim is to help more young people gain the qualifications they need to access jobs and apprenticeships.

The rising cost of learning to drive

Even if you can secure a test, learning to drive isn't cheap.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the average one-hour driving lesson now costs between £36 and £40, up from between £31 and £35 in 2023.

With lesson prices continuing to rise, finding ways to cut costs can make a real difference.

How you can keep your driving lesson costs down

Pass your theory test as soon as possible

You can't take your practical test until you've passed your theory test.

Getting it out of the way early means you can focus on driving and book your practical test sooner.

Book directly with an instructor

If you book through a driving school, part of the fee may go towards commission.

Booking directly with an instructor could help you secure a lower rate.

Make sure your instructor is qualified

Before booking lessons, check that your instructor is registered with the DVSA.

This gives you confidence that you're learning with someone who meets recognised standards.

Shop around before you book

Lesson prices can vary quite a lot, depending on where you live.

Compare local instructors, ask for recommendations and keep an eye out for introductory offers.

Buy lessons in bulk

Many instructors offer discounts if you book a block of lessons upfront.

If you're confident you'll stick with the same instructor, this can reduce the hourly rate.

Consider longer lessons

A two-hour lesson often gives you more value than two separate one-hour sessions.

You spend less time revisiting previous learning and more time developing new skills.

Practise outside your lessons

If you have access to a friend or family member's car, private practice can help you progress more quickly.

Just make sure you're properly insured as a learner driver.

Choose off-peak lesson times

Some instructors charge less for weekday daytime lessons than they do for evenings and weekends.

If your schedule allows, you could save money by being flexible.

Think about an intensive course

An intensive course can be expensive upfront, but it may reduce the total number of lessons you need.

For some learners, maintaining momentum helps them pass more quickly.

Build good habits from the start

The faster you become a safe, confident and consistent driver, the fewer lessons you're likely to need.

That can save you hundreds of pounds over the course of learning.

What this means for you

If you're trying to start your career, secure an apprenticeship or access training, getting your driving licence could be more important than ever.

But with long waits for tests and rising lesson costs, learning to drive is becoming harder and more expensive.

Until more testing capacity is created, many young people could find themselves stuck in limbo, ready to work, but unable to get behind the wheel.