Struggling to Get Behind the Wheel: How London Learners are Escaping Driving Test Delays by Heading North
By Evie McGowan
BBC Scotland
A new report reveals a surprising trend among learner drivers from as far as London and South Wales: they're booking driving tests in the remote north of Scotland to bypass the massive backlogs. The National Audit Office (NAO) investigation uncovered that the average waiting time for a driving test in September was a staggering 22 weeks, a stark contrast to the pre-pandemic average of around seven weeks.
The report highlights a dire situation, where people are resorting to paying third parties or using cancellation apps to secure tests far from their homes. In September, the average distance between the Inverness driving test center and a learner driver's home postcode was a staggering 133km (83 miles).
Alan Sinclair, a driving instructor in Inverness, shared his experience with the BBC, stating that he receives weekly calls from learners as far as London, requesting his car and his presence for their tests. He refuses these requests, emphasizing the importance of road safety and adhering to the standards set by the DVSA.
Sinclair describes the frustration of learners facing months-long waits for tests, a situation that affects both learners and instructors. He criticizes the impact of out-of-town learners using cancellation apps, pushing local learners further back in the queue.
The issue is not isolated to Inverness; Sinclair believes it's a nationwide problem. He explains how cancellation apps have created a 'buzzer situation', where whoever acts fastest gets the slot, regardless of location. This often results in tests being taken by people from far-flung areas, many unfamiliar with the local roads.
Local instructors, including Sinclair, refuse to compromise on the quality of the test. They will not take candidates who are unprepared or unfamiliar with the area, ensuring road safety.
Sinclair empathizes with the desperation of learners due to the backlog. He notes that failing a test can lead to months of waiting, impacting employment opportunities. The wait can cause anxiety, loss of confidence, and frustration, adding to the financial burden.
Despite efforts, most driving test centers in Scotland still face waiting times of over five months, according to the NAO report. Most permanent centers have waits of 19 to 24 weeks, with only two centers in Dumfries and Ayr offering shorter waits of six weeks or less.
Lewis McKie, a 30-year-old learner, shares his experience of a 'silly mistake' during his test in Glasgow's Shieldhall center, resulting in a long wait for the next test in January. Lois Stevenson, a teacher from Edinburgh, moved to Shetland without a driver's license, facing a seven-month wait after paying for a 'test on hold'.
The DVSA acknowledges the report's findings and the struggles of learner drivers. A Department for Transport spokeswoman addresses the issue, citing the backlog and the measures being taken, including military driving examiners and restrictions on test moves and swaps, to address the problem and provide more tests.
