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Written Question
Driving Tests
Wednesday 27th November 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing approved driving instructors to conduct driving tests to help clear the current backlog.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.

As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.

All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.

There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.

The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.

DTC

Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024

Booked tests

Tests available to book in 24 week booking window

Ashfield

22.8

2,296

100

Chesterfield

19.8

1,647

191

Worksop

11.5

2,086

515

Nottingham (Colwick)

24

4,392

212

Nottingham (Chilwell)

23.8

3,753

59

National

19.5

561,451

67,190

The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.

The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.

There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.


Written Question
Driving Tests
Wednesday 27th November 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on the adequacy of the rule that driving tests cannot be booked more than 24 weeks in advance.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.

As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.

All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.

There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.

The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.

DTC

Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024

Booked tests

Tests available to book in 24 week booking window

Ashfield

22.8

2,296

100

Chesterfield

19.8

1,647

191

Worksop

11.5

2,086

515

Nottingham (Colwick)

24

4,392

212

Nottingham (Chilwell)

23.8

3,753

59

National

19.5

561,451

67,190

The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.

The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.

There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.


Written Question
Driving Tests
Wednesday 27th November 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on tackling the backlog of driving tests.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.

As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.

All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.

There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.

The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.

DTC

Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024

Booked tests

Tests available to book in 24 week booking window

Ashfield

22.8

2,296

100

Chesterfield

19.8

1,647

191

Worksop

11.5

2,086

515

Nottingham (Colwick)

24

4,392

212

Nottingham (Chilwell)

23.8

3,753

59

National

19.5

561,451

67,190

The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.

The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.

There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.


Written Question
Driving Tests: Ashfield
Wednesday 27th November 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average waiting time is for a driving test at each driving test centre in Ashfield constituency.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting times, as quickly as it can.

As of 18 November 2024, there were 561,451 car practical driving tests booked, and 67,190 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.

All practical driving test appointments are shown on the DVSA live booking system, and the availability of test appointments continually changes. The agency releases test slots on a rolling 24-week basis, and adds additional appointments as soon as they become available. Candidates can check for earlier test appointments using the live change your driving test service. Other candidates cancelling or rescheduling their test also free up appointments for others to book.

There is no rule that tests can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance only. DVSA makes tests available up to 24 weeks ahead to allow those learning to drive to plan their learning to drive process and take a test when they are ready to pass.

The table below shows the average waiting time at driving test centres (DTC) that serve the Ashfield constituency.

DTC

Average car practical driving test waiting time Oct 2024

Booked tests

Tests available to book in 24 week booking window

Ashfield

22.8

2,296

100

Chesterfield

19.8

1,647

191

Worksop

11.5

2,086

515

Nottingham (Colwick)

24

4,392

212

Nottingham (Chilwell)

23.8

3,753

59

National

19.5

561,451

67,190

The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows a full driving licence to be issued only if the person has passed the test of competence to drive. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) 1999 regulations require driving test examiners to meet certain criteria and pass an initial qualification and examination before being authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct practical driving tests.

The regulations also specifically prohibit an examiner from simultaneously being an active approved driving instructor (ADI). Although ADIs are well qualified and proficient in driving and instruction, they are not experienced assessors. Driving examiners undertake rigorous and continuing training throughout their career. They also test many types of learners and are regularly evaluated to ensure they conduct tests in a fair and consistent manner.

There is no provision within legislation that allows an ADI to conduct a driving test for a learner driver. The Government has no plans to lay legislation to amend this.


Written Question
Bus Services: Ashfield
Monday 25th November 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support local bus services in Ashfield constituency.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Improving local bus services is a key part of this government’s growth mission. The government will introduce a Buses Bill later this Parliamentary session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, including in Ashfield and Mansfield, to choose the model that works best in their area, whether that be franchising, high-quality partnerships with private operators or local authority ownership.

In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities. East Midlands Combined County Authority has been allocated £40.5 million.


Written Question
Bus Services: Ashfield
Monday 18th November 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to increase the frequency of bus services in Ashfield and Mansfield constituency.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Improving local bus services is a key part of this government’s growth mission. The government will introduce a Buses Bill later this Parliamentary session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, including in Ashfield and Mansfield, to choose the model that works best in their area, whether that be franchising, high-quality partnerships with private operators or local authority ownership.

Under franchising, the local authority has control of the bus network including setting routes, timetables and fares.

In addition, the government has confirmed £925 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Local authorities can use the £925 million to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

The government will continue working closely with local transport authorities including Nottinghamshire County Council, and others, to deliver better bus services throughout England.


Written Question
Roads: Ashfield
Thursday 14th November 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to help tackle backlogs of (a) road maintenance and (b) upgrades in Ashfield and Mansfield constituency.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local highway network. Nottinghamshire County Council is the local highway authority for the Ashfield and Mansfield constituency, and they are therefore responsible for the condition of their local network.

This Government has a commitment to enable local highway authorities in England to fix up to a million more potholes a year. At Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced an extra £500 million for local highway maintenance for the 2025/26 financial year, an increase of nearly 50% compared to the current financial year exceeding this Government’s manifesto commitment on repairing local roads.

The Government will confirm funding allocations to English local highway authorities and mayoral combined authorities, including the East Midlands Combined Authority of which Nottinghamshire County Council is a constituent member, in due course.


Written Question
Roads: Nottinghamshire
Tuesday 10th September 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve road (a) maintenance and (b) conditions in (i) Ashfield constituency and (ii) Nottinghamshire.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network.

Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) is the local highway authority for the Ashfield constituency, and it is therefore responsible for the maintenance of the local road network in its area. NCC is a part of the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCA), and for this financial year the Department for Transport is providing EMCA with £53.9 million of capital funding for local highway maintenance across its area. It is a matter for EMCA to determine how much of this funding to allocate to each of its constituent authorities.

Funding decisions for highways maintenance beyond 2024/25 will be made at the forthcoming Spending Review.


Written Question
Electric Bicycles
Monday 9th September 2024

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps is she taking to ensure the health and safety of (a) pedestrians and (b) motorists, in the context of increases in the use of e-bikes.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government is committed to ensuring the safety of our roads for all road users. Cyclists, whether riding an e-bike or a conventional pedal cycle, have a duty to behave in a safe and responsible manner and follow the rules set out in The Highway Code. The enforcement of cycling offences, such as cycling on the pavement or cycling without due care or attention, is a matter for the police.


Written Question
Airports: Mental Health Services
Wednesday 15th November 2023

Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will have discussions with airport operators on the adequacy of provision within airports for people with (a) autism and (b) other conditions that cause sensory overload.

Answered by Anthony Browne

Aviation accessibility is a priority for government. The Department for Transport is in regular discussions with airport operators and will be hosting workshops on accessibility with the industry in November. These will include considerations around non-visible disabilities and neurodiversity. The government's Disability and Access Ambassador for Aviation also ran a workshop on 5 October 2023 covering how the UK standard for designing and managing the built environment for people with neurodiversity, ‘Design for the Mind,’ can be incorporated into UK airports.