Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The number of learner drivers waiting for a driving test has increased significantly, leading to long wait times and the emergence of a black market in driving tests.
What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of learner drivers waiting for a driving test. There are over 50,000 tests available as of 27 March but many areas still have significant delays.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is increasing the number of driving tests by conducting out-of-hours testing, recruiting over 300 examiners, and re-employing retired examiners. Recovery measures have created 35,000 extra test slots each month since April 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Third parties are using bots to snap up driving test slots and sell them at a premium, affecting vulnerable individuals like young care leavers.
Learner drivers are increasingly falling victim to a flourishing black market in driving tests. Third parties are using bots on the Government's website to snap up driving test slots that are then sold for double or triple the price. With AA research showing the most vulnerable being hit the hardest, what are the Government doing to crack down on this exploitation?
I had a meeting with the DVSA on this matter earlier this week, and we will continue to take steps to block cancellation services from accessing the booking system. There has been a significant drop in traffic to those services because of the DVSA's successful work in identifying booking apps and bots.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific actions being taken to stop third parties using bots, and no commitment on stopping bot access.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Constituents in the Mid Buckinghamshire area are struggling to secure driving tests, with delays of up to six months reported.
I have received correspondence from a number of constituents struggling to get driving tests in my constituency. For example, a constituent reported that the nearby Bletchley testing centre has nothing available for six months. Will my hon. Friend consider changing the point at which tests are released?
I will certainly look at that. Of the 300 extra driving instructors we have recruited, 87 are in London and the south-east. We continue to take ideas from both sides of the House to see what more can be done.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions for changing test release times were not committed to.
Response accuracy