Arran MP calls for extension to the driving theory test
Arran’s MP Patricia Gibson has urged the UK Government to extend the validity of driving theory test certificates because of the restrictions caused by lockdown.
Under current UK legislation, the validity of driving theory test certificates lasts for two years but many learner drivers have found that, as a result of restrictions, their theory test certificates are expiring before they have the opportunity to sit a practical driving test.
Northern Ireland, which has devolved powers over these matters, has already extended the validity of theory tests. However, the Scottish Parliament has no such powers.
Mrs Gibson said: ‘Current lockdown restrictions and cancelled tests mean that tens of thousands of theory certificates have simply expired. This is not the fault of learner drivers and they shouldn’t be back to square one by a UK Government which, frankly, has no good reason for doing so.
‘We’ve already seen common sense prevail in Northern Ireland, which automatically extended theory certificates for its learner drivers. The UK Department for Transport must follow suit, otherwise learner drivers will have to pay again to take a test they’ve already passed.
‘It would be wrong for learner drivers to have to spend extra cash unnecessarily and re-join a long queue, already backed up as a result of this year’s disruption.
‘Learner drivers, driving instructors and the industry all want to see this change.’
Ordinarily, 1.2 million driving tests are undertaken in the UK each year, including around 70 by Arran residents.