Thousands of driving tests under threat as examiners vote to stage two- day strike
Driving examiners are set to stage a two- day strike starting on the day the new driving test comes into force.
Members of the Public and Commercial Service( PCS) union are planning the walkout for December 4 and 5 over changes to the test and their working conditions.
The action, involving up to 2,000 examiners puts thousands of driving tests at risk of cancellation. It will also see examiners work to rule from November 23, which could affect even more tests.
The PCS balloted members in September over changes to examiners’ contracts which the union said left them facing up to an additional 7.5 hours work per week for no extra pay.
It has also since argued that the changes to the test are potentially dangerous and called for the new test to be suspended, citing “incidents” on lessons carried out under the new rules.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The actions of the Department for Transport in trying to force detrimental changes onto our members has backfired.
“Our members whose jobs are about ensuring our roads are safe for drivers and pedestrians have voted overwhelmingly to demonstrate that these changes are unacceptable.”
Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive responded by saying :“The fact PCS is trying to undermine the launch of the new test by calling for strike action shows ash amefuld isregard for both road safety and learner drivers who have worked so hard to be ready to take their test.
“During the last three years the changes-which are welcomed by most examiners, road safety experts, disability groups and instructors - have been developed and trialled extensively with a wide range of our staff, learners and other organisations.
The PCS’S comments on the safety of the test come after a thousands of instructors signed a petition opposing a new manoeuvre which requires drivers to pull up on the righthand side of the road and park. They argue the move is potentially dangerous and in contravention of the Highway Code.