Recent reports have suggested that UK learner drivers are facing a £249 fee to obtain a driving licence, causing confusion and frustration. However, an investigation into this claim reveals that the standard driving licence fee remains unchanged. Instead, this figure represents the additional costs learners are incurring due to the significant backlog in driving tests.

As thousands of learners struggle with long waiting times, many are forced to take extra lessons, leading to higher expenses. This article explores the reality behind the £249 claim, why the backlog persists, and what learners can do to navigate these challenges.

What is the Official Cost of a Driving Licence?

According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the actual cost of obtaining a provisional driving licence in the UK is:

• £34 if applied for online
• £43 if applied via post

The full details on official driving licence fees can be found on the DVLA website.

The driving test itself also comes with standard fees:

• £62 for a weekday practical test
• £75 for an evening, weekend, or bank holiday test

So, where does the £249 figure come from?

The £249 Figure Explained

The £249 figure does not refer to an official government fee but rather to the additional costs many learners face due to driving test backlogs. Research by the car insurance provider Marmalade found that the ongoing backlog has forced learners to take an average of eight extra driving lessons to stay prepared for their test date.

With driving lessons costing approximately £31 per session, this adds up to an extra expense of around £249.20 for many learners.

This financial burden has made learning to drive significantly more expensive than before. Many learners, frustrated by long waiting times, are either delaying their tests or booking additional lessons to maintain their skills.

Why is There a Backlog?

The UK’s driving test backlog is primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the suspension of driving tests for several months. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been working to clear this backlog, but challenges remain.

The key reasons for the backlog include:

1. Test Suspensions During COVID-19 – Thousands of tests were cancelled, creating a backlog that continues to impact new learners.
2. Shortage of Driving Examiners – The DVSA has been struggling to recruit and train enough examiners to meet demand.
3. Increased Demand – More people are learning to drive, adding pressure on the system.
4. Rescheduled Tests – Learners who fail their first test often struggle to rebook quickly due to limited slots.

Despite government efforts to increase capacity, learners still face wait times of several months in some areas.

The Rise of Overpriced Test Bookings

A growing issue has been the rise of third-party companies reselling driving test slots at inflated prices. Some learners, desperate to secure an earlier test, are paying more than £200 for a slot that typically costs £62–£75.

In some cases, driving examiners have also been accused of reselling test slots within private social media groups, further worsening accessibility for genuine candidates. Investigations into this issue have been reported.

The DVSA warns that learners should always book their driving test through official government channels at www.gov.uk/book-driving-test to avoid overpaying or being scammed.

What is the Government Doing to Fix the Issue?

The UK government and the DVSA have introduced several measures to help reduce waiting times and make driving tests more accessible:

• Recruiting More Driving Examiners – The DVSA has been hiring more staff to conduct additional tests.
• Weekend & Evening Tests – More test slots have been opened outside regular hours.
• Temporary Measures for Rebooking – Learners who fail their test may face longer rebooking times to discourage unprepared candidates from taking tests too soon.
• Crackdown on Third-Party Test Resellers – The government is working to stop unofficial booking sites from exploiting learners.

For further details on the UK Parliament’s actions regarding driving test delays, refer to the Public Accounts Committee report.

What Can Learners Do?

If you’re a learner driver affected by the backlog, here are some steps to improve your chances of securing a test slot and reducing costs:

1. Book Your Test Early – As soon as you get your provisional licence, try to book a test to avoid long delays.
2. Use the Official Booking System – Always book your test through gov.uk to avoid overpaying.
3. Consider Test Cancellation Services – Some services legally monitor for cancellations and notify you of earlier slots, but ensure they are reputable.
4. Maintain Your Driving Skills – If your test is delayed, keep practicing so you don’t need as many extra lessons.
5. Stay Updated with DVSA Announcements – Follow official DVSA updates on Twitter or gov.uk for the latest information on new test slots.

Conclusion

The claim of a £249 driving licence fee in the UK is misleading. The actual cost of a provisional licence and driving test remains the same. However, due to the ongoing backlog, learners are spending an average of £249 on extra lessons while waiting for a test slot.

The UK government and the DVSA are working to address these issues, but delays remain a significant challenge for many learners. To avoid unnecessary expenses and scams, learners should book tests through official channels and plan their driving lessons wisely.