A new study has revealed learner drivers are having to wait until 2023 to book their driving test. The problem is being blamed on a Covid-related backlog and test centre closures.
According to an investigation by The Telegraph, drivers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham and Bristol are suffering the most, with slots unavailable until at least November – with many facing the prospect of waiting until next year to take their test. And depending on when drivers took their theory test, some could wait even longer as the two-year limit could have expired by then.
Loveday Ryder, chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), said: "We are doing all we can to provide as many tests as possible so we can get our services back to normal. I know learners will be keen to take their test now, but it is important that they are properly prepared for their test and don't take it before they are ready.
"With more than half of candidates failing, and demand currently extremely high for tests, learners should only take their test when they are confident they can pass. This will help them to avoid a lengthy wait for a retest and help us by not adding to the driving test waiting list."
Several MPs have criticised the DVSA recently, repots the Daily Star. In February, Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan said that closures of DVSA test centres during the pandemic - many of which have yet to reopen – was a "hammer blow"
The North Shropshire MP said: "In my constituency there is huge dependency on the private car. Given the huge backlogs, many young people are being deprived of their independence and find themselves isolated both socially and from work and education opportunities.
"In the light of this situation, the recent DVSA decision to close Whitchurch driving test centre is a hammer blow to people who want only to improve their quality of life."
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea
