Driving Test Delays and the Impact on Learners in Scotland

That the Parliament notes with concern the experiences of learners and families across the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency regarding continuing difficulties in accessing practical driving tests through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA); believes that these experiences are reflected across communities in Scotland, where what was initially presented as a temporary backlog has become a longstanding problem affecting learner drivers; understands that many learners report logging on before 6.00am only to find themselves behind tens of thousands of others in online booking queues, often waiting hours without securing a test appointment; further understands that some learners have incurred significant additional costs through extended periods of driving lessons and, in some cases, the expiry of theory test certificates before they have been able to obtain a practical driving test, requiring them to pay to sit the theory test again through no fault of their own; recognises the importance of access to driving as a means of supporting employment, apprenticeships, education, caring responsibilities and social mobility, particularly in rural and semi-rural communities where public transport options may be limited; believes that urgent measures are needed to reduce waiting times, improve access to driving tests and extend the validity of theory test certificates for learners affected by excessive delays; is concerned that recent reforms to the booking system have failed to deliver their intended objectives; and concludes that, should the UK Government prove unable to deliver a driving test system that meets Scotland's needs, serious consideration should be given to devolving responsibility for driver testing to the Scottish Parliament.