Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency: Shetland

Opened the debate

The DVSA has failed to provide HGV and motorcycle testing services in Shetland despite being made aware of the issue years ago. The agency's lack of engagement with local stakeholders, refusal to share information during purdah, and failure to secure a lease on the proposed site near Scatsta airport have left constituents without access to essential driving tests. Additionally, changes to theory test provision and cancellations due to IT issues further exacerbate the problem.

Government Response

It is an absolute pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. I thank the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) for explaining the situation. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's core aim is to help everyone stay safe on British roads. Recently, the Government set out a range of measures to increase the number of lorry drivers as we continue to build back better from the covid-19 pandemic. The DVSA is working hard to recover its services as we emerge from the pandemic and prioritises reducing waiting times for customers who want a car practical test while increasing the number of vocational tests available for those who wish to become lorry drivers. Over the past six years, the DVSA has conducted an extensive search for suitable testing locations on Shetland, considering two sites: Ladies Drive owned by Tulloch Developments and Scatsta airport owned by the council. The Tulloch site was rejected due to high construction costs and significant annual lease fees, while the council withdrew from negotiations about using the Scatsta site as a testing facility in August. Despite these challenges, the DVSA submitted a planning application for permission to use the vacant site at Scatsta airport but received an offer of a refund if it would withdraw the application. The expectation that the DVSA will receive a favourable planning outcome is low, and the council's unusual offer suggests potential obstacles. However, the DVSA remains committed to exploring all possible options to retain testing services on Shetland. In the absence of a test facility on Shetland, candidates must travel up to 224 miles to the next nearest option in Aberdeen for motorcycle testing. The minister hopes that the council will help the DVSA and its customers by providing support for a new site. Car practical driving tests remain at Lerwick on an occasional basis with a waiting time of 24 weeks, although two new theory test centres are opening tomorrow in Lerwick, Mid Yell, and Symbister next month. The minister is working hard alongside the right hon. Member to find a solution.