- 07/11/2024
- Posted by: Amanda Hack MP
- Category: News
Share on Social Media
Amanda Hack reveals the extent of driving test resales.
A written question to the Roads Minister has revealed the extent of the driving test reselling problem.
Since the pandemic, a lack of available driving tests has become a perennial problem, often attributed to widespread reselling of test slots at prices more than double the original £62 fee. When booking a test on the DVSA website, applicants must enter a provisional licence number. However, some rogue operators exploit the system by using “instructors’ access” to block book multiple slots under a single licence number, only swapping to the actual applicants’ licence number once they have received a resale price way beyond their original.
Therefore, the number of driving tests where licence numbers are swapped from their original is a potential indicator of the scale of resale across the country. According to data from the Department for Transport, reselling has surged since the pandemic, rising from around 3% in January 2019 to a peak of over 30% in October 2023.
Amanda Hack said:
“As an area with limited public transport and no passenger train line, residents in North West Leicestershire are often forced to use cars to get around.
Learner drivers have raised concerns about the lack of available driving test slots and the high prices of resold tests. Data shows that potentially more than 25% of driving tests are being resold back to learners at much higher prices.
I know that the Roads Minister has been actively working to train 250 new examiners this year and recruiting another 200, so we should see more availability coming down the track. I am pleased that the DVSA has issued over 300 warnings, 750 suspensions, and closed over 700 businesses for misuse of its booking service to tackle the issue.”
The surge in driving test reselling poses a significant challenge for aspiring drivers and highlights the need for further measures to restore fairness in the booking system. The fight against driving test reselling is ongoing, and with continued vigilance and support, we can create a more equitable system for all.
Share on Social Media
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
I caught up with Sarah from the British Heart Foundation to talk about heart health, actions the government are taking to help improve heart health and overall outcomes,
Cardiovascular disease can lead to cardiac arrest, and with us living in a rural area, it's so important we have access to local defibs near to where we live, work and socialise.
Every minute without CPR or Defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10% so it’s vital to raise awareness of where your nearest lifesaving defib is and where our deserts of coverage are.
The North West Leicestershire Defib Dash which will take place between 17th and 23rd November. This is a community audit of our local defib network. All you need to do is find your nearest publicly accessible defibrillator and ‘Dash’ to it (you could walk, run or cycle, just don’t use your car!), timing your journey.
You can sign up and find out more here: www.amandahack.com/campaigns/defib-dash-register/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
I’ve been really concerned about the high prices that learner drivers are having to pay for a driving test. That’s why I’ve been leading calls to stop driving test swapping - something which has exploded in recent years - and ensure that only learners can book their test.
While learners often have genuine reasons to change their test date, the system of unlimited swaps has been exploited by bots and third parties that hoover up tests as soon as they become available.
Hardworking people who simply want a chance to take their test are being taken advantage of, which is both unfair and deeply damaging to learner drivers across the country.
Together with my colleagues, I am backing the Government in taking the strongest possible action to tackle this issue and bring test prices back down to normal levels, ensuring driving tests are as accessible and affordable as possible.
Read more ⬇️
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/learners-desperate-driving-tests-taken-36170437
17 CommentsComment on Facebook
KEEP UPDATED
GET IN TOUCH
As your local MP there are a number of different things I can help you with or offer advice on, such as; benefits, immigration, tax issues, problems with the NHS, child maintenance and education matters.
I would love to hear from you about what you think my priorities should be as your MP for North West Leicestershire and what matters most to you.
Please use the contact form to get in touch with me. Please remember to provide as many details as possible, including your name, address and full details of your issue.