Trained drivers in Britain wait 24 weeks to take the test

Rural residents need a driver's license due to the absence of public transportation.

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Delays caused by the pandemic lockdowns have meant that motorists wait an average of 14 weeks before they can get a test appointment, according to the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

There were reports of trainees waiting 24 weeks.

Note that pre-pandemic appointments were available within three weeks.

This delay will disproportionately affect young motorists, and rural areas, where public transportation is usually scarce.

Often, driving instructors will not reserve exams for candidates until they are considered ready for success.

"Right now, the backlog of driving test dates is twice what we normally expect," said Peter Hearn, director of operations for the Driver Testing Agency. We are trying to restore those services.”

Wait times are not expected to improve until early 2023, although the agency is looking to find ways to speed up the process.

"We're in talks with third parties about private sector support, others are doing driver assessments, and we're looking to see if there's support they can give us," Hearn said.

The agency employs more than 300 employees, including test takers.

Hearn told the House of Commons Transport Committee that 90 people had been appointed so far.

New entrants will work five days a week, allowing for testing on weekends.

The number of tests conducted decreased by 73%, between April 2020 and March of this year, and driving tests were halted during the three national lockdowns, except for critical workers who need to drive as part of their work.

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