Learner drivers are still struggling for a test slot in the South East with new researching showing 454,809 learners will battle for 248,060 tests in the region.

The numbers exceed the DVSA’s ability for testing, despite the new measures it has put in place. 

Through data gathered through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and existing Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures by learner driver insurance brokers. Marmalade found that more than 3.7 million learners will compete for test slots in 2024, eighty-two per cent more than what can be accommodated.

Head of insurer relations for car insurance at Marmalade, Chris Lawson said: “Learner drivers up and down the UK are being impacted by this backlog and until testing capacity can increase it will only get worse.

“This backlog opens up learners to a risk of exploitation as third parties take advantage, which we’ve seen in recent months.”