NEW FIGURES have shown that demand for driving tests far outweighs the amount of driving test slots.
Insurers for learner drivers Marmalade have released statistics showing that demand exceeds supply for driving tests by more than 80% in the south east.
Following a number of Freedom of Information requests, Marmalade has calculated that around 3.7 million learners are seeking driving tests around the UK.
There will be around two million driving test slots available across the country this year, meaning demand is at 185% of capacity.
Broken down by region, the statistics show that the south east is only slightly ahead of the national average, with demand outstripping supply by 82%.
London was shown to have the biggest backlog, with
Overall, there are around 1.8 learners for every test slot, close to double the supply.
It follows the release of statistics in 2020 by Marmalade which showed that there weren’t enough driving instructors to meet demand.
That report estimated that the backlog for instructors would be cleared by this year based on the data it examined.
It has instead continued to grow.
Louise Walsh, who runs a driving instruction and training business, said: “As an industry, COVID-19 has hit us hard. Being unable to work for 14 weeks has really taken its toll and returning to work, although welcomed, has been made challenging for a number of reasons.
“It’s been great catching up with pupils I’ve not driven with for four months and lovely to welcome those who have turned 17 during lockdown and had to wait till they could start, however my diary is now very full and I’m turning new enquiries away.”
She explained: “Without a clear picture of how long the backlog of tests will take to clear, it’s unfair to put future pupils on my indefinite waiting list’
“In addition to the rise in demand, this is further compounded by a lack of test dates as the DVSA do their best to clear the four month backlog while operating at reduced capability due to implementing safe practices to keep staff and learners safe.
“Instructors are also needing to manage their own diaries better to allow for reduced time in the car and thorough cleaning of the vehicle between pupils.
She explained also that much of her business revolved around training instructors.
“Much of instructor training involves three people in a car, and most trainers, including myself, are reluctant to resume this aspect of our work.
“Supporting those who are finding the uncertainty unsettling continues to be my biggest challenge.
“Many pupils have also had the added pressure of their theories running out with little hope of taking a practical test before their theory expires.
“So now, adding those who are turning 17 to the mix and the need for driving instructors is at an all time high.”
CEO at Marmalade Crispin Moger said: “While it’s not surprising that the demand for driving instructors looks to be significant in the coming months following the lockdown restrictions.
“This is just the beginning when it comes to the much bigger issue of a national shortage of approved driving instructors.
“With the warnings surrounding public transport, we are expecting to see more young people than ever before wanting to learn to drive themselves over the coming months, and this is before you even look at the national birth statistics which suggests more teenagers than ever will be turning 17 in the coming years.”
He added: “To support your driving instructor, we urge learners to be on time for lessons with their mask as required, and to cancel their lesson with as much notice as possible if they display any symptoms.
“If during these busy times you’re not getting lessons as often as you would like with your instructor, learner drivers can still practise in the company of a parent, family member or friend, providing the tutor is over the age of 21, they have the right learner driver insurance and has held their licence for three years.”
He explained that while it may be difficult to source an instructor, “excellent instructors are still out there and are ready to get you out on the road.
“However, we do need to attract more instructors to the profession and we encourage those thinking about making a switch to do so.”
