Calls for targeted support for rural drivers

Far North Liberal Democrats Jamie Stone and David Green have written to the Secretary of State for Transport to raise concerns regarding the backlog of practical driving tests in the Highlands.

The intervention comes amidst increasing delays for driving tests due to a backlog from the pandemic, which forced tests to be suspended for months. This has culminated in a sustained increase in demand from young drivers and a shortage of examiners.

In March this year, the UK Government announced more flexibility in the booking and cancelling of tests as part of their 7-point plan to reduce waiting times and increase test availability.

Despite this, a rising number of people in the Far North have reported being unable to secure a driving test within a reasonable timeframe. One indiviual, having failed their test earlier this year, has not been able to rebook until 2026.

The Liberal Democrats warn the lack of access to driving tests is having a disproportionate impact on young people, job seekers, and families who rely on driving as a lifeline across rural Highland communities.  

Consequently, Jamie Stone MP his party's local Holyrood candidate David Green have called on the UK Government to introduce targeted support for rural test centres, such as those in Caithness, where demand far exceeds supply. They have also requested transparent regional reporting on test availability and waiting times, so that constituents in the Highlands can see whether improvements are being made.

MP For Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Jamie Stone, said:

“The backlog in practical driving tests is disproportionately affecting young people in the Highlands.

“In communities where public transport is not a viable alternative for fast and reliable travel to work, it is not an overstatement to say that driving is a necessity for those who have the capacity and means.

“Young people in remote and rural communities already struggle to access the same job opportunities and services as those in larger cities - the last thing they deserve is to be robbed of their independence.”

David Green, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, added:

"It isn't acceptable that young people and job seekers in rural communities are being locked out of opportunities because they can’t book a driving test until 2026.

"As folk have said to me, it can feel like your life is on hold. The system is broken - we need ministers to get in gear.

"We are therefore urging the Government to boost targeted support for rural test centres, crack down on bot interference, and publish transparent regional data so we can review progress.”

ENDS.