Driving Test backlog sees rise of 'test touts'
- jamesjacksonjessel
- Feb 3
- 1 min read
Ruth Cadbury spoke to ITV News, saying 'driving test officials face tough questions'.
Currently, one of the biggest tests for new drivers is being able to book one in the first place. Average waiting times in England are now at over 20 weeks - an increase of five and a half weeks over the last two years.
The issue is particularly bad in Brentford & Isleworth, with wait times estimated at around 23 weeks.
Private sector touts are taking advantage - buying up slots and selling them on to desperate drivers for up to four times the standard £62 charge.
On 4th December, the Transport Select Committee heard evidence from driving test officials, who said that the backlog had become much worse, since Covid - partly owing to a lack of instructors.
The Committee quizzed both the CEO of the DVSA along with the Roads Minister (Lilian Greenwood MP).
Two weeks later, the Minister announced a series of changes the Government is planning to tackle the long wait times.