High Demand for Driving Tests Lengthens Wait

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Lucy started finding out to drive last summer as well as is currently prepared to take her driving exam – but like hundreds of thousands of other individuals, she can not obtain one.

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” I did my theory in 2014 and wish to obtain the useful out the means but despite just how difficult I try, obtaining a slot is challenging,” the 19-year-old from London states.

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And she’s not alone.

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Brand-new numbers from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reveal there are greater than 500,000 learners waiting on their driving tests.

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In May 2021, there was a stockpile of 496,124, but this has actually risen to 506,431 in June – a rise of 10,307.

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DVSA president Gareth Llewellyn claims the organisation is doing “every little thing we can” to raise capability and also lower waiting times.

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” We have introduced a number of procedures to help, including opening up a new test centre in Leeds, hiring over 3,000 extra driving supervisors and also prolonging our screening hours,” he says.

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Yet with demand still overtaking supply, what does this mean for those attempting to get their permit?

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‘ It’s really frustrating.

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Zak wants to take his examination so he can take a trip to work.

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Zak Gittins is among the lots of individuals left discouraged by the situation. The 22-year-old from Birmingham has been trying to book an examination given that February.

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” I’ve been looking as far in advance as January, but there’s nothing readily available,” he says. “It’s extremely aggravating.”.

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Zak, originally from Wales, transferred to the Midlands for job last year. He has actually been using public transportation however claims this is not constantly practical.

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” I require to be able to drive for work,” he says. “There are work I can not do due to the fact that I can not arrive.”.

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He has actually taken a look at taking his test in Wales, however the earliest date he can locate was November – and also that has actually currently gone.

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‘ I’m losing hope.

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For some people, the delay has actually been also longer.

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Kian Breckin attempted to schedule an examination in February; the earliest date he can find was September. Since then, that day has returned twice and is currently November.

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” I’m simply trying to be individual, but it’s obtaining harder,” the 18-year-old from Nottingham claims.

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” I’m losing hope.”.

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Kian says he recognizes the stockpile but assumes the scenario could have been handled much better.

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” They need to have put measures in position earlier,” he says. “They understood there would be a need.”.

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Kian Breckin has actually been waiting because February for a driving examination port.

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He has looked at taking his test in various other parts of the country, but the earliest days he can discover were all in November.

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” I’m simply going to have to wait,” he states.

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‘ I understand the situation.

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Lucy, Zak as well as Kian are all members of a Facebook group established for individuals in the very same circumstance. It has more than 22,000 members.

People share their stories and offer each other suggestions on just how to attempt to obtain a test. Some have also succeeded in discovering slots- although they are usually many months away.

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The group’s managers say they recognize why there is a stockpile yet think the DVSA can do more to assist those affected.

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” We appreciate that it is a challenging time for the driving test solution with Covid,” they say.

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” However, we do not think that students must have to wait approximately a year for their driving examination.”.

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They are contacting the DVSA to introduce a system where people can terminate their examinations as well as obtain a refund if they no longer require the port.

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Currently, if someone cancels their examination, they have to wait at least ten working days before they can book one more one. This suggests many individuals are unable to make use of last-minute terminations.

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The managers additionally desire the DVSA to consider means to boost ability, such as setting up much more short-lived test centres as well as training extra motoring examiners.

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‘ I’m not quiting.

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For those still waiting, the most effective guidance seems to be to maintain attempting.

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Kian claims he examines the internet site day-to-day and has even established a Google alert so he will be alerted as quickly as any new dates are released.

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” I’m not quiting,” he states. “I’ll keep trying till I get a day.”.

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Zak has been doing the very same and wishes his determination will certainly pay off.

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” I know it’s mosting likely to happen eventually,” he says. “I simply don’t understand when.”.

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What do you think? Do you believe the DVSA could do more to assist those affected by the driving test backlog? Share your views in the remarks listed below.

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What do you believe? Do you think the DVSA could do more to assist those influenced by the driving test backlog?