I’m getting increasingly frustrated by delay in receiving my provisional licence but would like to know what is a realistic timescale to get my training done once I get it back. I’m flexible as to dates and location so would it be realistic to be able to book theory test within a few days of getting licence then get class c training the following week?
Beyond that is a 3 week delay to receive class c licence back before commencing c+e training realistic or should I expect delays here too?
DVLA has a backlog which could last for a long time - how long is a piece of string
Depends on how busy trainers are as to when they can fit you in - another length of string - good trainers usually mean a longer wait
I had my license back less than a week after passing my test, so i wouldn’t worry about the wait time although id be on the phone to them asking where the provisional if its been near the 2 week mark.
Good luck with the training 
Cheers
Jonny 
Been onto dvla a few times but my application is yet to process beyond the in tray of the medical section. (9 week delay forecast here)
Can any recent trainees comment as to availability and timing of theory tests?
honk:
I’m flexible as to dates and location so would it be realistic to be able to book theory test within a few days of getting licence then get class c training the following week?
It is far easier to book the theory online rather than over the phone. The timescale depends on the area you request. For example in Chelmsford the wait is currently around 4 weeks for the tests. The system allows you to expand the search area until you find a test centre that has a shorter waiting time. It is better to book a date however far ahead because you can always return to the system and look for any short notice cancellations and easily change your theory dates. This can be repeated as often as you like without any penalty. Tests can be changed (or cancelled) up to 3 clear working days before the test date.
As for doing the driver training the following week, in theory it is possible but the problem occurs if you fail either part of the theory and the vehicle and driving test are reserved for you by the trainer. In this case the vehicle has to be cancelled which can be a big problem for the trainer and of course you will have to rebook a theory retest.
honk:
Beyond that is a 3 week delay to receive class c licence back before commencing c+e training realistic or should I expect delays here too?
This depends on whether the examiner deals with your licence or you send it off yourself. When the examiner deals with it you should have the new licence back within about 10 days. However you might not want to let the examiner keep your licence in any of the following situations:-
- You need to produce the licence to the police
- You have a holiday booked and need the licence to hire a car
- You have either Initial or Periodic CPC within the next few days
In any of the above you will need the licence and can only send it off along with the Cat C pass certificate afterwards. This will take around 2-3 weeks normally.
Great answer John, thank you
(and thanks everyone else too)
I embarked on the journey back in January 2014. I hit an eight week delay with DVLA medical section, and the lag times with the various subsequent stages (booking theory, passing tests, waiting for licence, booking cat C training, passing test, waiting for licence, booking cat C+E, training and passing test) I have only just got to the stage of fully qualified C+E licence holder. I didn’t fail anything along the way, this would of course result in even more delay.
And I still have 7 more hours of CPC to cover before September.
My provisional took 8 weeks to come back to me earlier this year. Like John says, round here (north west) there is/was around a 3 week wait for theory tests, which I imagine is the same story across the country. Other than that it’s dependant on when a trainer can fit you in, I’ve overheard phone convos while in office at the school I’m training with and they seem to have roughly a 4 or 5 week wait to getting someone started on a 1 week intensive course, but everywhere is different, I’d expect a longer wait with a reputable company than you would get with some mickey mouse outfit. Good luck pal
Although we strictly stick to a 1st booked 1st trained policy there are loads of trainers that operate differently.
Some will resell a course that is already booked to someone that has either just passed the theory or phones cold asking for a quick course.
What about the original booking? They are often told the DSA has cancelled the test (Over 10 reasons for this) or the instructor is ill etc
In my massive experience be very careful when choosing who and when to spend with. The reason I post here is because the regular trainers on here are very honourable and honest. I have met most.
Sorry for a hard sounding post but if your trainer cares enough most things you need are possible
provisional licence has finally arrived this afternoon 
took just over 5 weeks in the end.
I’ve arranged an assesment with a local school tomorrow lunchtime and have hazard perception test tomorrow afternoon.
theory test booked for 8 Aug but I may bring that forward if I spot a cancellation.
getting exciting now