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Driving Test Availability: South-east
26 November 2025
Lead MP
Al Pinkerton
Surrey Heath
LD
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
Tags
Defence
Word Count: 11459
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Al Pinkerton raised concerns about driving test availability: south-east in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for more funding to support the recruitment of driving examiners with sufficient pay benefits and better leadership at DVSA to address the problem of bots capturing test slots.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The driving test availability issue in Surrey Heath is persistent with constituents facing a weekly ritual of early morning online queues for slots. Families report a practical and emotional toll, with young people losing confidence and opportunities due to delays. Some face up to one year wait times, affecting their education, training, and employment prospects.
Anna Sabine
LD
Frome and East Somerset
The severe lack of driving tests impacts people’s ability to work, study, and participate in everyday life. A survey found that about 80% of learner drivers are learning because public transport is unreliable or unavailable, with many waiting four months or more for a test date.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Agrees that young people's life chances are harmed by the inability to access driving tests, particularly for those with special needs or caring responsibilities.
West Dorset
A constituent in West Dorset faces a 24-month wait to find a single test within a 50-mile radius, and the only alternative is to pay more than £200 to one of the resellers. This is exploitation of the most vulnerable.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Data obtained through a freedom of information request shows that the number of driving test centres with average waits of 24 weeks has increased by 60% since January. The Government’s approach has failed learners and alienated instructors, who feel as though they are being treated as part of the problem rather than the solution.
Epsom and Ewell
Shared personal experiences of challenges in getting a driving test and constituents' concerns.
Lewes
There are now no practical test centres in Brighton and Hove. A freedom of information request revealed that the three open test centres nearest to Lewes have a combined waiting list of 7,500 people.
Jamie Stone
LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Suggested that statistical analysis and a map showing where the problem and good areas are would not only be helpful but might concentrate the attention of Ministers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights that this is a UK-wide issue and suggests more funding could be allocated to support examiner recruitment in rural areas.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
Asked for clarification on plans to help constituents before the implementation in spring 2026.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Supports the need for new leadership at DVSA and addresses the problem of bots capturing test slots.
Peter Swallow
Con
Bracknell Forest
The hon. Member welcomed the Government’s measures to prevent bots from block-booking test slots and urged for a new test centre in Bracknell, highlighting the need for more examiners and sustainable solutions.
Sarah Green
LD
Chesham and Amersham
A constituent from Chesham and Amersham had to travel 200 miles to Rochdale for a driving test due to a lack of availability in their area. This is unfair as it penalises those who follow the rules.
Simon Lightwood
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Emphasised that extending the two-year limit for theory tests would compromise road safety and is not a viable option.
Chingford and Woodford Green
The hon. Gentleman shared personal experience of difficulties booking driving tests and highlighted constituents' concerns about delays affecting their career prospects and earning potential, urging for measures to improve instructor training. Asked if there should be an inquiry into the DVSA's incompetence and failure to address driving test issues.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Reinforcing points made about the impact of long driving test waits on individuals across the country, Tom Gordon highlighted the need for a credible workforce strategy to recruit and retain examiners. Asked about further input from driving instructors and impact assessments of booking system changes.
Tom Rutland
Lab
East Worthing and Shoreham
The hon. Friend acknowledged the impact of delayed driving tests, supporting the Government's actions to ban bots from booking tests and increase test availability.
Zöe Franklin
Lab
Bristol West
The MP highlighted a 24-week waiting list for practical driving tests in Guildford, stressing that delays are contributing to regional youth unemployment. She also mentioned cases of families being scammed and having to travel far from home to secure a test slot. Stressed the importance of changing the law regarding theory test validity to address current challenges faced by learners.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Acknowledged the frustration felt by families and young people, highlighted measures including additional test allowance incentives leading to 56,000 extra tests, reforms to booking system to prevent exploitation, and agreements with Ministry of Defence. Emphasised commitment to reducing waiting times despite challenges. Acknowledged the challenges faced by the DVSA in meeting test availability targets, committed to increasing examiner capacity with exceptional payments next year and continuing to assess new measures to reduce waiting times. Reiterated that theory tests must remain valid for two years due to safety reasons.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.