- October 8, 2025
- Posted by: Zahid Chauhan
- Category: Campaigns
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 7 October 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.
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.”