Driving test backlog unacceptable, says Wiltshire MP
Brian Mathew says urgent action is needed
A Wiltshire MP has told us the length of time learner drivers are waiting for driving tests is unacceptable.
Brian Mathew for Melksham and Devizes says learners are having to spend money on lessons despite being ready to take their test, thanks to a huge backlog.
He's written to the Transport Secretary calling for urgent action to reduce waiting times.
The Liberal Democrat told Greatest Hits Radio that people waiting to take their tests in his constituency are being left frustrated.
Mr Mathew said: "People are working hard to learn to drive, getting to a point where they're ready to take their test and then finding out that they're going to have to wait or sit on their hands for another six months.
"It's just not good enough, and then there's the whole financial burden of paying for lessons to keep up driving skills."
He said that people learning to drive are often at a point in their lives where cash can run short, but they're continuing to pay for lessons to ensure they're up to speed behind the wheel and not short of time in the drivers seat when they do eventually take their test.
Mr Mathew said it's "unfair" that people are being put into that situation.
Much of the situation stems from a backlog caused during the Covid-19 pandemic, while strike action from examiners in 2023 and online bots buying up slots has increased pressure on the system.
There's currently more than 600,000 future tests booked.
Loveday Ryder, DVSA’s Chief Executive said: “DVSA is taking decisive action to reduce driving test waiting times by making more tests available.
“We’ve carried out over 20,000 more tests between June to August this year, with the pass rate the highest it's been since May 2021.
“While there’s still a long way to go, we’re steadfastly committed to helping drivers ditch their L plates as soon as they’re ready.”
Public transport in rural areas needs improvements
Mr Mathew tells us that it underscores the need to improve public transport links in rural counties, which he described as "patchy at times", to help ease the reliance on driving.
He added that it's denting rural economies too: "When the bus is late, as they so often are, there's a real knock-on in terms of cost, both for lost wages to the worker and the businesses, which lose out in terms of their staff."
He said that the knock-on impact on education caused by unreliable transport will soon show itself, with people losing out on the chance to learn key skills to move their lives forward with better jobs.
Mr Mathew is attempting to address the need for better transport connections with the Bath and Wiltshire Metro project.
He said: "It focuses on increasing rail frequency on lines such as the Melksham Branch, where there is currently only one train every two hours. It leverages a lot of existing infrastructure and includes reinstatement of disused platforms at Westbury and Chippenham and upgrades to junctions.
"The project is about a broader vision of integrating transport and new housing, much more effectively to offer an alternative to car-centric out-of-town developments which eat into our countryside."