- 07/11/2024
- Posted by: Amanda Hack MP
- Category: News
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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.
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Last week, I met with the Rail Minister Lord Hendy to discuss restoring the Ivanhoe Line and its importance to our community. I’m now launching a local transport survey to gather vital information and views, to assist with building the case for better public transport in our area.
You can find out more here: www.amandahack.com/amanda-hack-meets-rail-minister/
The Transport survey can be found here: www.amandahack.com/theivanhoeline/ (Paper copies are available on request)
#theivanhoeline #publictransport
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
I heard from a reliable source that CRIL had gathered extensive information and created a petition in 2023 … they have a team who did extensive research … are you looking to include their input ??
I would fill the survey out, but no matter how I type it, the CAPTCHA says it’s wrong.
I am very much in favour of a railway line with stations from Bardon and Coalville connecting to Leicester and Burton. I would use it many times a week. Could you explain the purpose of the survey? As you mention, you shared the business case so what is a survey needed for? It seems light on asking specific questions for a railway line but you are asking for a lot of my personal details such as phone number, address, email address, etc. it doesn’t explain why this data is required or what it is needed for and so how are you complaint with GDPR laws?
Many constituents have contacted me regarding the future plans for Work Capability Assessments and disability benefits. I raised these concerns with Secretary of State, and fellow Leicestershire MP, Liz Kendall during last week's Work & Pensions Select Committee.
I look forward to seeing the proposals that come forward over the coming months and am pleased these will be developed in conjunction with disabled people.
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Raised the question but no answer . This seems to be the norm . I don’t know about everyone else but I am getting fed up of hearing 14yrs of conservative rule to blame . Labour then have had 14yrs to come up with a plan yet seem to have no clue but to keep blaming 14yrs on Tory rule .
Mmmmm. Very interesting. Basically, wait and see! I feel that was just a load of guff and she doesn't know what's happening. Lost my temper with Conservatives and after voting for Labour, in such a short time I do not hear much about positive change. All the systems are letting disabled people down. We cannot be equal with able bodied people and able bodied people cannot be equal with disabled people. We all do things differently and always will do. Our needs are different to able bodied people. We do not want equality we want to be treated with dignity and respected for who we are and what we can achieve due to the disabilities we have, mental or physical. I suggest that people making rules for disabled people get in a wheelchair, have an arm or leg tied up for a day, wear glasses that make them blind, wear ear plugs for a day etc etc and really see what life with a disability is really like. Now there's a challenge for Liz Kendall!
Thanks for raising this issue Amanda. I’m involved with many online disabled groups as I’m now a full time carer for my sister who has learning disabilities. Everyone is scared they will be financially penalised in some way for just having a disability. Every little bit of help is hard fought for and it’s exhausting navigating the whole system which is currently set up with hurdles at every turn. I’m really hoping Labour will change the rhetoric around disabled people and show some much needed positivity and compassion in any new processes they design. Please remember many disabled people, especially those with learning disabilities, simply cannot work.
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