The Labour government is facing significant criticism from Parliament's Transport Committee over its handling of the ongoing driving test backlog crisis that continues to affect learner drivers across Britain.
Committee scrutiny intensifies
The Transport Committee has launched a fresh challenge against the government's approach to resolving the persistent delays in driving test availability. Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury MP and Roads Minister Simon Lightwood have exchanged letters discussing plans to upgrade the DVSA's online booking system, which remains vulnerable to exploitation by automated resale bots.
In his correspondence, Labour MP Lightwood highlighted government efforts to crack down on driving instructors who abuse their privileged booking access to reserve test slots and sell them for profit. However, the Committee has expressed serious concerns about the pace of implementing a permanent solution.
Four-year delay in system upgrade
Chair Ruth Cadbury's response reveals particular anxiety about the length of time taken to develop and implement a new test booking system - a process that began four years ago yet remains incomplete. The Committee is demanding clarity on when the government will finally deploy its new platform to prevent further exploitation of the current system.
Beyond the technological challenges, the Committee has identified another critical issue contributing to the backlog: high turnover among driving test examiners. Cadbury's letter questions why there appears to be "institutional resistance" to improving pay and working conditions for examiners, suggesting this directly impacts the DVSA's capacity to conduct tests.
Impact on young people and communities
Ruth Cadbury emphasised the real-world consequences of the ongoing crisis, stating: "The difficulty with securing tests is an issue that people across the country continue to raise with me and MPs from across the House of Commons."
She highlighted how the problem particularly affects young people in areas with unreliable bus services, preventing them from "finding jobs, seeing friends and family, and living their lives."
The Transport Committee has committed to maintaining oversight of the government's efforts, vowing to "continue to keep watch over the Government's efforts to get the backlog for driving tests down and reform the system." As the nominated Commons body responsible for scrutinising the Department for Transport, the Committee's role includes holding ministers accountable for resolving matters of significant public concern.
