Island learner drivers facing long test wait

He said: “Delays to vocational testing such as those for HGV, bus, trailer tests etc has an effect on people’s livelihoods and the DVSA needs to address this situation as a matter of urgency. The test delays are also affecting those wishing to secure a car driver’s licence which is especially disappointing for young people hoping to pass their test before heading for university.

“I have been in contact with the DVSA on this matter and they have said that efforts are being made to offer incentives to examiners willing to travel to remote locations. I understand that this issue arose following the merging of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This current situation also shows the lack of priority which this UK Government agency is giving to remote rural locations such as Na h-Eileanan an Iar.”