Call for action as learner drivers in North Wales face long delays in booking tests

An MP has written to the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) amid mounting complaints from people unable to book driving tests.

Having first raised the problem over a year ago, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts said little progress has been made in increasing the availability of tests.

She said the issue was particularly being felt in rural areas where test centres are few and far between.

Apart from acknowledging the problem, Mrs Saville Roberts said that both the DVSA and the Department for Transport have done little to clear the backlog.

She said: “Having first raised this pressing issue with the DVSA and DfT over a year ago, it seems little has been done to get to grips with the problem, to the detriment of an ever-increasing number of young people frustratingly waiting to sit their test.

“I am still being contacted by young drivers and concerned parents who, upon attempting to book a driving test, face a booking system which at best is potluck and at worst, not fit for purpose.

“Whilst Covid has undoubtedly had an impact on the service, it is surprising that the DVSA was not prepared for this and has done very little in the ensuing months to remedy the situation, apart from offering warm words and false hope.

“Dwyfor Meirionnydd is a large, rural constituency. If there is no provision at our local test centres, then those wishing to sit their test are expected to travel several hours to the nearest alternative and available centre.’

“I repeat my earlier call for the DVSA and the Department for Transport to urgently review whether current resources sufficiently meet increasing demands, and whether additional support is available to help clear the backlog.”

Main image: “learning” by tz1_1zt is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0