Reading Lib Dems Demand Action on Driving Test Delays

Learner drivers in Reading are currently facing some of the worst waiting times in the country, with waits of over six months to secure a test slot, far beyond the DVSA’s target of nine weeks. The backlog is disrupting the lives of young people, students, apprentices, and job seekers who rely on driving licences for work, education, and daily life.

The motion highlights growing national concern about third-party booking services that use automated software to snap up driving test appointments and resell them for profit, making access even harder for ordinary learners. Despite repeated questions in Parliament, the Government has so far failed to act.

“This is not just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to opportunity,” said James Moore, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tilehurst ward. “Young people in Reading are being unfairly held back in their education and careers because of a system that’s simply not working.”

The motion calls on the Government and the Department for Transport to:

• Publish a clear action plan to reduce driving test waiting times nationally and in Reading;
   
• Reform the DVSA’s online booking system to block exploitative third-party software;
   
• Take immediate steps to restore fair and accessible test booking for all learners.

The Reading Lib Dems are also asking the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport and Reading’s MPs to push for urgent reform.

“This is a national failure that’s hitting Reading residents,” said James. “We need real action from Ministers - not just warm words.”

The motion will be debated at the next full council meeting on Tuesday, 24th June, and the Lib Dems are urging other parties to support a united call for change.

Reading Liberal Democrats have tabled a motion for the next meeting of Reading Borough Council, calling for urgent Government action to tackle spiralling delays in driving test appointments in Reading

Learner drivers in Reading are currently facing some of the worst waiting times in the country, with waits of over six months to secure a test slot, far beyond the DVSA’s target of nine weeks. The backlog is disrupting the lives of young people, students, apprentices, and job seekers who rely on driving licences for work, education, and daily life.

The motion highlights growing national concern about third-party booking services that use automated software to snap up driving test appointments and resell them for profit, making access even harder for ordinary learners. Despite repeated questions in Parliament, the Government has so far failed to act.

“This is not just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to opportunity,” said James Moore, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tilehurst ward. “Young people in Reading are being unfairly held back in their education and careers because of a system that’s simply not working.”

The motion calls on the Government and the Department for Transport to:

• Publish a clear action plan to reduce driving test waiting times nationally and in Reading;
   
• Reform the DVSA’s online booking system to block exploitative third-party software;
   
• Take immediate steps to restore fair and accessible test booking for all learners.

The Reading Lib Dems are also asking the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport and Reading’s MPs to push for urgent reform.

“This is a national failure that’s hitting Reading residents,” said James. “We need real action from Ministers - not just warm words.”

The motion will be debated at the next full council meeting on Tuesday, 24th June, and the Lib Dems are urging other parties to support a united call for change.