Introduction
The UK is currently facing a serious shortage of driving instructors, a challenge that has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage has resulted in long waiting lists. Lesson prices have increased, causing growing frustration among learners eager to hit the road. But what’s causing this imbalance between supply and demand?
Key Reasons for the Driving Instructor Shortage
1. Instructors Leaving the Industry
During lockdowns, driving lessons were suspended, leaving many instructors without income or financial support. As a result, some retired early or switched careers.
Fact: The Department for Transport reports the number of instructors fell by over 6,000 between 2011 and 2024.
2. Delays in Instructor Training
Becoming a driving instructor requires passing multiple exams. Pandemic-related disruptions caused delays in booking these tests, making it hard for trainees to qualify within the two-year limit. Many dropped out, reducing the pipeline of new instructors. It is estimated that only 17% of potential Driving Instructors that start the qualification process-are successful.
3. Surge in Demand for Lessons
After restrictions lifted, demand skyrocketed. Teenagers turning 17 contributed to the surge. People who postponed lessons during lockdown also added to it. Additionally, those wanting to avoid public transport played a role.
Insight: The AA reported pupil registrations soared by up to 127% in some regions.
(Source: express.co.uk)
4. Instructor Burnout
Current instructors are working longer hours and managing packed schedules. Two-thirds now operate waiting lists, and 15% expect these lists to last more than a year.
(Source: express.co.uk)
5. Driving Test Backlogs
A shortage of examiners and issues with the booking system have created massive backlogs. In some areas, learners face six-month waits for tests. Bots and touts bulk-booking tests have worsened the problem, with slots resold for up to £500.
The government has pledged 10,000 extra tests per month to tackle delays.
6. Rising Operational Costs
Fuel and insurance costs have soared, forcing instructors to raise lesson prices.
Driving school prices current Average: £36-£40 per hour for manual lessons, with some charging over £50. Prices have surged by nearly 30% in two years.
Impact on Learners
With fewer instructors and overwhelming demand, learners face:
- Waiting lists of several months
- Higher lesson prices
- Delays in booking driving tests
For many, this means paying for extra lessons just to stay test-ready during long gaps between test dates.
What Can Be Done?
Potential solutions include:
- Streamlining instructor training and exam processes
- Increasing support for instructors to prevent burnout
- Fixing the test booking system and cracking down on bots
The DVSA has introduced several measures. These include extending cancellation notice periods and recruiting more examiners. However, experts warn the system still faces “unprecedented demand”.
(Source: gov.uk)
What has been done?
Last month (November 2025), the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) implemented stricter rules. These rules prevent driving instructors from booking practical driving tests on behalf of their students. This move has sparked debate across the industry, leaving many instructors frustrated and learners confused.
The DVSA claims the ban is aimed at tackling test slot abuse. Previously, some instructors and third-party services booked tests in bulk. This created artificial scarcity. They resold slots at inflated prices. Sometimes these were for £200–£500 per test.
Also, a recent BBC investigation has exposed fraud. Driving Instructors were involved in selling their DVSA online booking system access codes to criminals.
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