Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase the availability of practical driving tests in rural areas.

As acknowledged in the statement made on 18 December 2024 about car practical driving test waiting times, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) understands the potential impact high waiting times have on learner drivers, including younger drivers.

In the same statement, DVSA set out further plans to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. These steps include recruiting 450 driving examiners and improving rules for booking driving tests.

For practical driving test candidates, DVSA is still offering the Mobile Emergency Worker (MEW) process for those in critical roles. The process, which was implemented during the coronavirus pandemic, is only for candidates who are a critical worker in England or Wales and work for one of the following:

• the NHS - in health or social care
• the emergency services
• a local council

They must also:

• need to drive as part of their job (commuting not included)
• respond to ‘threats to life’ as part of their job

DVSA has shared the MEW application process with all applicable emergency organisations. Candidates who meet this eligibility criteria and want a test, should talk to their employer, who will need to apply on their employee’s behalf.

DVSA is committed to providing customers with the best service possible and continually reviews its estate, including in rural areas, to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.