Drive test backlog puts wheels in motion to extend opening times

DRIVING test centres across Tayside and Fife could be opened for longer hours, six days a week, in a bid to tackle a backlog of theory and practical examinations.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is considering the move after it emerged people in Fife are being asked to go as far afield as Aberdeen or Carlisle to sit their theory tests.

Due to social distancing restrictions, the DVSA has admitted it has been unable to increase the number of desks for theory tests within Scottish test centres.

Candidates based in Fife, Angus and Perthshire have been able to access “occasional” sites at Leven, Brechin and Pitlochry respectively, with the option to travel to larger permanent sites in Dundee, Edinburgh, Stirling, Aberdeen and Inverness.

But the permanent sites are facing long waiting lists due to growing demand.

Lucas Gilchrist, 17, from Dundee, is one of hundreds who have been left in limbo and has been forced to book a theory test in Aberdeen.

“I had my theory test booked in January for around about mid-month, but that got cancelled,” he said.

“I had to rebook but I couldn’t get any closer to Dundee because the backlog was so bad.

“I’ve had to reschedule for Aberdeen in March, but that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen either.

“It’s fine for now and I understand why there is a backlog, but it’s also annoying because I’m ready to sit my test but can’t book one until I’ve done the theory test.”

Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley has called on the DVSA to urgently increase capacity.

Mr Rowley said: “Even before Covid-19 there was a question about capacity for sitting the theory test, with Fife having one centre in Leven. But given the massive backlogs, there is a need for an increase.

“I understand there are options for increasing capacity and I am calling on all Fife politicians to work together to persuade this authority to increase the capacity locally.”

In a letter to Mr Rowley, DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder said theory tests will not resume at full capacity due to distancing rules, although various options have been looked at such as extending opening and closing times.

A DVSA spokesperson said: “We are exploring ways to increase capacity in Scotland, including extending centre opening times and centres opening as often as six days a week.”