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.

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.

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.