Inverurie driving instructor lifts lid on reasons behind six-month wait for tests

Press and Journal

24-04-2025

An Inverurie driving instructor has seen learner drivers travel from London to the north-east to sit their tests as the UK grapples with a test backlog affecting local people in Aberdeenshire.
Inverurie and District Driving School Association says practical tests are not available in the area with learners facing waits of up to six months.
Among its 27 instructors, the organisation estimates 135 learners are waiting to book their practical test as the crisis deepens.
Alan Gray, chair of the association, told the P&J that until recently tests were still 'quite easily' available at test centres in Aberdeen.
But he warned this led to learner drivers coming to the region from other parts of the UK to get a slot, including as far afield as London.
Average waits in Scotland at the end of March were 20.5 weeks compared to 22.4 weeks in England.
Mr Gray, who has worked as a driving instructor for the past nine years, said pressure include a backlog in tests as a result of the Covid pandemic and recruitment challenges among external examiners.
Meanwhile, he said the industry is dealing with problems caused by test-buying 'bots' who purchase the tests in bulk.
'They will grab all the tests that are available', he said.
'It's immoral but not illegal. A £62 test will then be sold off for up to £500.
'There should be a system where companies cannot go out and sell them.'
On Wednesday, UK government Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told MPs her department aimed to end the backlog across the country by summer next year.
The Labour politician plans to ask people in other DVSA roles who are qualified, but no longer examine, to temporarily 'return to the frontline', while also reintroducing overtime pay incentives for everyone delivering driving tests.
She also intends to accelerate a consultation to investigate the potential abuse of the driving test booking system and prevents bots from accessing tests.
Mr Gray, who runs AG Driving Academy, says he would support changes being introduced to make sure companies cannot sell on these tests.
He also thinks there is an argument for learner drivers to have to sit their tests in the geographical area in which they live.
Mr Gray says he hears all the time that young adults are keen to gain their 'freedom' by driving.
He warned the delays could hold back learner drivers looking to pursue particular education or work opportunities.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross wrote to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) after being contacted by Inverurie drivers.
She said: 'These driving test delays are having real-life implications for thousands of people who need a licence to get to education or work.'
The DVSA does not run, approve or endorse any cancellation finder apps or services. They say any tests booked outside of the official DVSA booking site could be a scam.
Pauline Reeves, DVSA's director of driver services, said since December they have made 'significant progress' on implementing their plan to reduce waiting times.
However, she acknowledged customers are 'not seeing the immediate effects'.
Ms Reeves said the further action announced on Wednesday will help 'accelerate those measures'.