DVSA Driving Instructor Survey 2025: What It Means for Learner Drivers

DVSA Survey 2025

DVSA Driving Instructor Survey 2025: What It Means for Learner Drivers

The latest DVSA driving instructor survey gives learners a clear message: finding lessons may be getting easier, but test waiting times are still the biggest roadblock. Here’s what the numbers mean — and how to stay one step ahead.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has published its Working as a Driving Instructor Survey: 2025 results , based on feedback from approved driving instructors across England, Scotland and Wales.

For learners, this is more than just industry data. It affects how quickly you can find an instructor, how much lessons may cost, how long you may wait for a practical test, and how carefully you need to plan your route to passing.

1. Instructor availability is improving — but it is not fixed

There is some good news for learners. According to the DVSA survey, 45.4% of approved driving instructors had availability to take on new pupils in October 2025. That is a noticeable improvement from September 2024, when the figure was 36.6%.

Waiting lists are also easing. The percentage of instructors with a waiting list fell from 56.4% in September 2024 to 47.3% in October 2025.

But availability still depends heavily on where you live. London had the highest reported availability, while areas such as the North East and South West remained more restricted.

2. Driving lessons are still a major investment

The most common price for a one-hour driving lesson is now £36 to £40, with 50.3% of ADIs charging in that range. Nearly three in ten instructors said they charge £41 or more.

That makes consistency more important than ever. Long gaps between lessons can slow your progress, increase nerves and mean you need extra refresher sessions before test day.

The smartest approach is not always to rush. It is to keep your learning steady, build confidence properly and match your practical test date to your actual driving standard.

3. Test waiting times are still the biggest pressure point

The clearest finding from the survey is that driving test waiting times continue to affect both instructors and learners. When instructors were asked why pupils were taking extended breaks from lessons, 94.1% pointed to high waiting times for a driving test.

Instructors also identified driving test availability and waiting times as the most common challenge in their role. This creates a frustrating cycle: learners pause lessons because their test is months away, then need more lessons when a test date finally appears.

4. Last-minute test requests are putting instructors under pressure

The survey found that 83.4% of ADIs had been affected by requests from pupils they had not trained asking to be taken to a test.

Most instructors are understandably cautious. In October 2025, 63.1% said they never accept these requests, while 26.0% said they rarely accept them.

That is a key lesson for learners: booking a driving test does not automatically mean an instructor will take you. Your instructor needs to know your driving, your safety level and whether you are genuinely test-ready.

What should learner drivers do now?

The DVSA survey does not mean learners should panic. It means you need a better plan. The learners who stay organised are in the strongest position when a suitable cancellation becomes available.

• Start looking for an instructor early. Availability has improved, but many ADIs are still full.
• Keep your lessons consistent. Stop-start learning can cost more in the long run.
• Pass your theory test as soon as you can. You need it before booking your practical test.
• Talk to your instructor before moving your test. A cancellation is only useful if you are ready.
• Avoid inflated resale prices or risky shortcuts. Use trusted services and keep your test plan realistic.

How DTC can help

Driving test cancellations can be a huge advantage when used properly. A better test date can help you avoid unnecessary waiting, keep your lessons on track and reduce the stress of months of uncertainty.

DTC helps learners look for earlier driving test cancellations, so you can focus on getting test-ready while we help you keep an eye on availability.

The best approach is simple: speak to your instructor, know your readiness level, and only move your test when the date works for your driving — not just your diary.

Find Driving Test Cancellations

The bottom line

The DVSA’s 2025 driving instructor survey shows a mixed picture. Instructor availability is improving, but lesson costs remain high and driving test waiting times are still causing real disruption for learners.

The good news? You can take control of your plan. Stay consistent with lessons, listen to your instructor, keep your test date realistic, and use cancellations wisely. That is how you give yourself the best chance of passing without wasting time, money or confidence.

Source: DVSA, Working as a driving instructor survey: 2025 results , published 25 February 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.