Learner drivers in the UK are still facing long waits to take their practical driving test, with new data showing an average of 20 weeks between booking and taking the test. This figure, released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in August, shows only a slight improvement from the previous month, when the average was 20.2 weeks. The time between booking and actually sitting the test has remained steady at 11.1 weeks, indicating that the overall waiting period is mainly due to the time it takes to secure a test appointment. The DVSA had previously set a goal to reduce the average waiting time to seven weeks by the end of 2023. However, the target has now been postponed to summer 2026, as announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. This delay reflects the challenges the agency has faced in managing the high demand for driving tests across the country. The extended waiting times have been a growing concern for many learners, who often struggle to find the time and resources to prepare for their test. Some have had to wait months before they can take the test, which can be frustrating and expensive. The DVSA has acknowledged that even the new target of seven weeks by 2026 may be difficult to achieve, given current pressures on the system. Efforts to expand testing capacity and increase the number of approved driving instructors are ongoing, but progress has been slow. The government has emphasized the importance of improving the driving test system to ensure it remains accessible and efficient. However, with no immediate solutions in sight, learner drivers may continue to face long waits for their practical tests in the near future.