Paul Waugh MP has welcomed new Government measures designed to cut the national driving-test backlog and make the booking system fairer for learner drivers.
The reforms, outlined in Parliament by Roads Minister Simon Lightwood, will see the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency expand testing capacity and tighten booking rules to stop bots and reselling companies blocking access to appointments.
Mr Lightwood told MPs:
“The DVSA has introduced measures to deliver 10,000 additional tests a month by recruiting 450 new driving examiners to increase capacity, introducing incentives for everyone delivering driving tests, encouraging qualified DVSA staff to return to frontline roles, doubling the number of trainers and extending the cancellation notice period from three to 10 working days.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also confirmed rule changes ensuring only learner drivers can book tests, with limits on how often slots can be swapped. She said the reforms would prevent learners being “exploited” by bots and companies reselling appointments at inflated prices.
Average waiting times remain over 21 weeks nationally, but the Government’s changes are intended to improve fairness, transparency and access — helping learners secure test dates more reliably.
The issue has been raised locally with Paul during his visit to Rochdale-based construction firm Jackson & Jackson, where apprentices described how long waits can complicate early employment in industries that rely on travel between job sites.
Paul Waugh MP said:
“These reforms are a welcome step. Young people in Rochdale shouldn’t have to battle bots or pay over the odds just to get a test date. Apprentices at Jackson & Jackson are ambitious, committed and doing everything right — but long waits can still make the practical side of starting work more difficult. If these changes help bring delays down and create fair access, that’s a win for our town.”
Managing Director Kieran McDonnell, a former apprentice himself, has made apprenticeships central to Jackson & Jackson’s growth, supported by Lloyds Banking Group. Paul said their commitment to training young talent shows why national policy must keep pace with the realities facing learners and new starters.
He added that he will continue working with apprentices, employers and training providers to understand how national reforms affect Rochdale and where further improvements may still be needed.