Lilian Greenwood announces new road safety strategy amid driving test delays

In a recent talk at the ADINJC & Intelligent Instructor Driving Instructor Convention, new Road Safety Minister Lilian Greenwood has outlined her commitment to improving road management and reducing the alarming rate of road accidents.

Each year, approximately 30,000 people are killed or injured on the UK's roads, prompting Greenwood to advocate for a new road safety strategy.

The detailed plan is expected to be unveiled in the coming months, addressing key issues and proposing measures to enhance safety for all road users.

In addition to road safety, Greenwood highlighted growing concerns over driving test availability.

Increased waiting times for driving tests have been exacerbated by scalpers and opportunists who book tests only to resell them at inflated prices.

As a result, many learner drivers are left with a choice between long wait times, tests scheduled too early, or test centres far from their homes.

In response, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is reviewing its booking and management systems.

Their goal is to simplify the process and ensure fair access to tests for all.

To meet the demand, the DVSA has acknowledged that some areas require 20% more driving examiners, particularly for evening and weekend slots.

Driving instructors are also being called upon to support the "Ready to Pass" campaign, encouraging learners to delay taking their test until they are fully prepared.

This initiative is aimed at reducing the number of learners booking tests prematurely, which adds to the backlog and contributes to longer wait times.

With these changes, Greenwood and the DVSA hope to create a more efficient, safer driving environment, while making road safety a top priority across the UK.