Chauhan welcomes Minister’s response regarding driving test delays

Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE

Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE has welcomed a detailed response from the Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood MP, regarding the ongoing problems with the availability of practical driving tests and the challenges many residents are facing when trying to book them.

In his reply, dated October 7, 2025, the Minister acknowledged the frustration of learner drivers and outlined a series of government actions to tackle the issue, including recruiting 450 new driving examiners, expanding training capacity, increasing the number of available tests and taking stronger steps against “bots” and third-party resellers that exploit the system.

Former Mayor of Oldham Dr Chauhan said: “I would like to thank the Minister for taking the time to look into this matter and for acknowledging the very real challenges faced by learner drivers across Oldham and the wider country.

"Learning to drive is a key milestone that opens doors to employment, education and independence and delays of several months are causing serious hardship for many families.”

“I welcome the steps being taken by the Department for Transport and the DVSA to increase capacity and restore fairness to the system.

"However, I will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to raise these concerns again if progress is not made.

"My commitment remains to the residents who have contacted me in frustration and despair, and I will keep pressing for improvements until real change is seen.”

Dr Chauhan added: “I will continue to highlight the matters raised by residents and work constructively with the Government to make sure the system works as it should, for the benefit of learners, instructors and families alike.”

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