It seems a little strange for DfT to release a consultation about driver testing when examiners are taking strike action and working to rule, while L-test waiting times at some test centres are stretching out towards next Easter.
The MSA is lobbying the DVSA, the DfT, the Government minister responsible for driving tests and the shadow minister for transport over this issue: we have also made contact with MPs from all parties.
The MSA has made clear that the situation regarding test waiting times is totally unacceptable, as are the differential waiting times around the country, and that this is having a huge effect on the ability of driver trainers to prepare pupils for the test.
We are making the point that Great Britain’s driving instructors have, over the past 12 months, started to increase their work as the driver training profession starts to recover from the long period of difficulty caused by the economic downturn.
However, the current situation where the driving test waiting time has, in many places, become unpredictable and ridiculously long is now threatening the survival of these self-employed micro businesses.
It is likely that, as the waiting times lengthen still further, the pass rate will fall as more and more learners refuse to postpone their driving tests on an instructor’s advice, preferring to ‘have a go’ now when balanced against putting off their test for anything up to five months.
There is also the very real risk to road safety from learners who fail their driving test deciding to risk driving unaccompanied while they wait months for another test.
However, the current situation where the driving test waiting time has, in many places, become unpredictable and ridiculously long is now threatening the survival of these self-employed micro businesses.
It is likely that, as the waiting times lengthen still further, the pass rate will fall as more and more learners refuse to postpone their driving tests on an instructor’s advice, preferring to ‘have a go’ now when balanced against putting off their test for anything up to five months.
There is also the very real risk to road safety from learners who fail their driving test deciding to risk driving unaccompanied while they wait months for another test.
Be First to Comment