The Prime Minister claimed to be on drivers’ side – but Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh blasted the Premier over delays to learners sitting their tests
Learner drivers are waiting six months to take their tests – despite Rishi Sunak claiming to be on motorists’ side.
Labour accused the Prime Minister of having “some brass neck” after uncovering figures revealing the delays faced by rookie drivers. Huge backlogs built up during the coronavirus pandemic are yet to be tackled, meaning big delays for learners hoping to become full licence holders.
A freedom of information request showed that as of May – a full year after all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted – dozens of test centres were still reporting 24-week waits. Analysis by Labour researchers said the average waiting time for a driving test was 16 weeks, while 38% of test centres had 24-week waiting times.
As of June, the backlog of drivers waiting for a test remained more than half a million. It has been at that level since July 2021, the party said. Labour warned the revelations made a mockery of Mr Sunak’s claim to be supporting drivers.