Adam Harley challenges Government over long waits for driving tests locally

Adam Harley, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden at next year's Holyrood election has today challenged the UK Government to cut long waits for driving tests and do more to block the reselling of block-booked driving tests as an investigation by the Scottish Liberal Democrats uncovered waits of 24 weeks in East Dunbartonshire. 

The Bishopbriggs test centre recorded a current average waiting time of 24 weeks to get a driving test.

Media reports and local people have raised concerns over long waits for practical driving tests and unscrupulous booking practices where individuals or companies buy up available driving test appointments and then resell them to learners, often at inflated prices.

In response to a written parliamentary question, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) Lilian Greenwood revealed that the DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts since new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils were introduced in January.

Commenting on the figures, Adam Harley said:

“Learner drivers in East Dunbartonshire feel like they are being exploited.

“It is already a stressful experience to put in for your test but now you are not just being tested on your driving ability but the ability to beat bots and scammers to secure a rare driving test slot.

“I am glad that the DVSA have put in place additional measures to clamp down but now we need to see waiting times cut.

“I want to see the UK Government ensure that unscrupulous individuals and firms are not allowed to profit from learner drivers in our area who just want to get on with their tests and enjoy the newfound freedoms that driving can bring.”