Kent mum criticises worsening driving test backlogs

Ms Hughes’ driving instructor, Tony Simcock, says all of his pupils struggle to get tests.

He says: “With the pass rate being about 50%, they’re trying really hard to pass the first time, have extra lessons to get up to that standard, but they’re under such pressure on the test that it doesn’t always go well for them.”

On Wednesday, the transport select committee heard from learner drivers who said they were frustrated that the problem is only getting worse.

Responding to the criticisms, Loveday Ryder, the head of the DVSA, told the committee: “[The DVSA} has worked tirelessly over the last four years to try to address this situation.”

Learners are also losing out to “bots”, which are buying up the spare tests and selling them on at a profit.

Legitimate driving tests cost £62. The BBC has seen WhatsApp messages where tests are being offered for more than £200.