Many local residents and businesses have voiced their frustration to me over the delays in driving tests. I recently wrote to the Transport Secretary to ensure these concerns were heard.
I’m pleased to see the government taking decisive action to increase the availability of tests and remove barriers to opportunity. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has instructed the DVSA to intensify its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests which will break down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
To open up more tests and break down barriers to opportunity, she has announced:
- those in other DVSA roles who are qualified to examine will be asked to return to the frontline to provide practical driving tests
- doubling the number of permanent trainers to skill up new driving examiners quickly
- accelerated consultation to investigate the potential abuse of the driving test booking system and prevent bots from accessing tests
- reintroduction of overtime pay incentives for everyone delivering driving tests
Taken together, the government aims for these measures to reduce driving test waiting times to 7-weeks by summer next year.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:
We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-Plates but being forced to endure record waiting time for their tests.
We simply cannot deliver on our Plan for Change if thousands remain held back, with their aspirations on pause.
I am instructing DVSA to take further action immediately to reduce waiting times which will see thousands of additional tests made available every month. We’re acting fast to get Britain’s drivers moving.