Government needs to “get a grip of” driving test wait times, says Oxfordshire MP
Some people are still waiting around six months for a driving test
An Oxfordshire MP is urging the Government to "get a grip" on driving test wait times, people are still waiting around six months for a test.
In December 2024 the DVSA announced a ‘7 Point Plan’ to reduce waiting times for driving tests, by recruiting 450 driving examiners and improving rules for booking driving tests.
Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage, says he still receives regular requests for help in accessing driving tests and has raised the issue with the Government on a number of occasions.
In a letter to Lillian Greenwood, Minister for Future of Roads, also signed by 57 other Lib Dem MPs, he has asked for an update of progress against the targets set out in the 7 Point Plan.
He’s also asked for explanation of the accountability of DVSA senior management if the targets are not met.
Mr Glover said: “Despite of the government’s plan to get on top of this problem of accessing driving tests, I continue to hear from constituents who are still waiting months and months for a driving test. Many having to travel huge distances to take tests, and others paying hundreds of pounds to buy driving test slots from middlemen that are exploiting young people and their families and who see no other option”
“We were told that recruitment of more driving examiners would happen last summer and that wait times would be reduced, but my inbox suggests that if there has been any progress is it not fast enough”
“This is a persistent issue in Didcot and Wantage, but as the number of my MP colleagues from across the country who were keen to sign my letter demonstrates this remains a problem across the country that the DVSA and the government need to get a grip of.”
A spokesperson for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said: "DVSA’s goal is to make booking a driving test easier and fairer for learner drivers.
“We’re really grateful to everyone who has responded to our recent consultation, including learners, parents and driving instructors.
“We’re now analysing the survey responses. Using your feedback, we’ll be able to plan our next steps on improving car test booking rules.”