Learner drivers are being urged not to book their driving test until they’re “confident they can pass” to help reduce the huge backlog caused by Covid.
The waiting list for driving tests has now reached more than half a million people - quadruple the number compared to the previous summer.
This is according to newly released data from the AA, published by This is Money, which shows the backlog has soared from 147,716 to 592,987.
It comes after The Mirror reported how learner drivers were facing five-month waits for a test in August this year due to "extremely high demand".
Meanwhile, others have had to book slots more than 100 miles away from their home due to not being able to find a closer test.
In a bid to bring the backlog down, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is now urging learners to only book their test when they’re ready.
The DVSA releases practical test slots 24 weeks in advance.
Loveday Ryder, the DVSA chief executive, told The Daily Telegraph: “I know learners will be keen to take their test now, but it is important that they are properly prepared for their test and don't take it before they are ready.
“With more than half of candidates failing and demand currently extremely high for tests, learners should only take their test when they are confident they can pass.
“This will help them avoid a lengthy wait for a retest and help us by not adding to the driving test waiting list.”
Are you struggling to book a driving test, or have you booked one 100s of miles away? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
The message comes as part of a "Be Prepared" campaign from the DVSA which aims to educate learners about how long it actually takes to learn how to drive.
The DVSA has also confirmed it will hold tests outside normal hours, including on weekends and bank holidays, to reduce the backlog.
As well as increasing the number of tests, there are plans in place to recruit more than 300 additional examiners across England, Scotland and Wales.
This includes asking recently retired examiners to return to their previous posts.
However, figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats in October this year showed the DVSA had recruited only 74 so far at the time.
Driving tests have been disrupted by Covid restrictions, lockdowns and delays to practical tests over the last year.
The third lockdown saw practical tests suspended in January this year and they didn't restart again until April.
Some drivers have also seen their theory certificate expire, due to waiting so long to take their practical test.
Learner drivers must pass their practical driving test within two years of getting their theory certificate.
