asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give an indication of the number of people awaiting driving tests.
Written Answers. - Driving Tests.
21.
The number of persons awaiting driving tests is 32,000. This represents an average delay of 21 weeks. This delay is unsatisfactory. I have taken the following measures in recent weeks to reduce the backlog:
(1) The number of driver testers has been increased from 50 to 57. The extra seven were redeployed from other duties in my Department.
(2) Driving tests are now being carried out on Saturdays in addition to normal Monday to Friday tests.
(3) I have made regulations requiring applicants to give seven days' notice of cancellation of a driving test appointment instead of three days. This facilitates the reallocation of cancelled appointments.
These measures should result in a significant reduction in delays in tests. I am keeping the position under review.