Long waits for Callander learners

Learner drivers in Callander are facing waits of more than six months to take their test.

Data shows the average waiting time is over 27 weeks between booking and taking the exam.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the average wait time was just under six weeks.

Scottish test centres occupy six of the top nine worst centres for average wait times.

RAC foundation director Steve Gooding said: “Greater transparency from the DVSA about the realities of getting a driving test booking at individual centres is to be welcomed.

“The picture that emerges shows where management attention is most keenly needed in order to get the waiting time back down.

“A four-month wait between making the booking and taking the test is still way longer than the DVSA ultimately hopes to achieve.

“Frustrating as this is for learner drivers, the advice must be to make good use of the time to get in as much practice as possible to improve the chance of passing rather than having to trudge round to re-join the queue.”

A DVSA spokesperson said: “Our latest data shows the median waiting time for Great Britain was 10.7 weeks in June 2026.

“Test slot availability was at its highest point since November 2024, and the pass rate remains above 50%.

“But we recognise how frustrating it is for every learner who has to wait longer for their test date.

“That’s why we’re continuing to put more tests into the system, with almost 280,000 extra tests carried out since June 2025.”