Norfolk woman who waited six months for driving test says more spaces will reduce learners stress
The Department of Transport says their plans will all reduce test waiting times to 7-weeks by summer next year
A woman from Norfolk who had to wait six months for a driving test says plans to boost provision will take added stress away from this experience.
The Government promised yesterday to deliver 10,000 extra driving tests a month and train up more examiners- to cut waiting times for learners.
"Having this would have taken a lot of the pressure away from passing"
Caitlin Laws is from Hemsby and passed in 2021- and told us what this meant to her:
"After so many hours of learning it was great to pass. But, it was also such a relief knowing that I wouldn't have to constantly be checking online for cancellations and having to get up in the early hours, I can find test times"
"Having this would have taken a lot of the pressure away from passing. If I did fail, more spaces would make me feel that things were going to ultimately be okay. Rather than having a great deal of dread and anxiety about if and when I could get another test".
What does the Government's plan involve?
The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has instructed the DVSA to intensify its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests.
To open up more tests and break down barriers to opportunity, the Government has announced:
-Those who are qualified to examine will be asked to return once again provide 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.
The Department of Transport says this will all reduce test waiting times to 7-weeks by summer next year.