Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency 2022-02-03
2022-02-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes recent issues with driving licence and other services at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
What recent assessment has been made of challenges facing driving licence and other services at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency?
Online services continue to operate normally. The DVLA has introduced new online services, recruited extra staff and secured extra premises.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a specific assessment of challenges facing DVLA services as requested.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP has received multiple complaints regarding delays in processing applications at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
In the past three months alone, I have received 26 complaints about delays at the DVLA. What is being done to address these issues?
I assure the House that online applications are not subject to delays and customers usually receive the documents within two to three days. We strongly encourage customers to use online services where possible. I pay tribute to the DVLA staff who have worked overtime and provided extra resources and extra sites. I am pleased to say that of the 36 cases the hon. Gentleman submitted, 32 have been closed, and I am following up the remaining four.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly address the specific complaints about delays but provided general information on online services and progress made in resolving individual cases.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the impact of DVLA backlogs and test centre closures on young people's ability to obtain driving licences, affecting their independence and access to social opportunities.
In my constituency there is huge dependency on the private car. Given the huge backlogs arising in the DVLA, and the similar backlogs at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, many young people are being deprived of their independence and find themselves isolated both socially and from work and education opportunities. In 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. Will the Secretary of State commit to keeping this important facility open and thereby removing the necessity of people paying for double lessons and driving for an additional hour just to practise or attend a test?
I am more than happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss the matter in detail. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is working hard to increase driving test availability by recruiting more driving examiners, offering out-of-hours tests and asking all those who are qualified to conduct tests to do so. I reiterate my willingness to meet the hon. Lady.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a direct commitment regarding keeping Whitchurch test centre open but offered to discuss it in detail and highlighted efforts to increase testing availability.
Response accuracy