Opposition backing driving examiners on strike over new tests

LABOUR HAS joined calls for a new driving test to be suspended as examiners launched a 48-hour strike expected to lead to cancellations.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union mounted picket lines outside test centres across the country amid claims that examiners are being told to work longer, harder and for no extra pay because of the new tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) disputes the claims.

Shadow Rail Minister and York Central MP Rachael Maskell said: “It is appalling that DVSA senior managers and Ministers have allowed this dispute to escalate, meaning thousands of driving tests are having to be cancelled.

“Driving examiners have told me they have serious and genuine concerns about the safety of the new test and we support the PCS union’s call for it to be suspended to allow for further analysis.

“Instead of stoking disputes like this and demonising unions who raise concerns, the next Labour government will work with staff, their representatives and employers to protect working conditions while improving standards.”

DVSA director of people, communications and engagement Adrian Long said: “PCS’s desperate claim that changes to the driving test will cause examiners to work longer and harder is simply not true.

“In the last year we’ve recruited more than 320 extra driving examiners – reducing waiting times to an average of seven weeks across the country.

“DVSA has met with PCS more than 40 times to try to solve this dispute but, despite our best efforts PCS has stuck to its unreasonable demands.”