- 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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I met with the Flooding Minister Emma Hardy MP today after the Water (Special Measures) Bill Committee.
The team and I are working hard to support those impacted alongside the local authorities by the recent flooding. I will continue to advocate with both national and local governments on flood defence schemes and funding to ensure we can implement the necessary measures to help protect our community.
A number of people have also contacted me regarding blocked drains or waterways. Whilst we can, and have reported these to the relevant authority, you can find out who to contact to report them directly here too: shorturl.at/ENe2y , alongside other useful contacts such as wellbeing and practical support.
#flooding
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Dredge the rivers Stop building on flood plains Better rain water harvesting and Less hard surface run off in new builds Integrated rivers and lakes. Move water where its needed and away from where it isn't. But let's be honest in just over 4 years when you seek our votes nothing would have changed for the better and we will be paying more for it.
Thank you for your efforts Amanda. Sitting on the local Planning Committee I tire with the constant flow of ‘no problem with flooding Councillor’ from the relevant authorities - when the local communities know otherwise!
Absolutely brilliant! Never seen such a bad flooding in this area and always worry when my daughters are driving in wet weather now. Wonder if the new housing estates built on flood prone land have got anything to do with it? Water has to go somewhere! Also I have written to you numerous times to have a meeting with you face to face (probably via zoom as I am struggling with walking at the moment). Thanks Anne-Mari
I was proud to support Labour's Renters Rights bill yesterday which will:
✅ Limit the advance rent landlords can demand
✅ Prevent students from being pressured into signing early tenancy agreements
✅ Protect bereaved families acting as guarantors for their relatives
#RentersRightsBill
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
This is good abd long overdue. Will you be able to update re lease especially in regard to extending lease. Also year on year service charge increases with little improvement in services and outstanding work on buildings for years. Especially concerning where Social Housing Association is concerned. I welcome your feedback Amanda. Thanks for all of your hard work!
WHY did you not attend RELAUNCH OF APPG Gaps in Support by @switherdenMP earlier this. Neither you replied to my email!
Good luck finding all the houses for the homeless renters as a result of this - all you’re doing is forcing genuine landlords to sell their properties
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