Liz Jarvis MP slams Government over ongoing delays in driving tests: “Young people are being left in limbo.”

Liberal Democrat MP Liz Jarvis has expressed deep frustration at the continued shortage of available driving tests across Hampshire, calling on the Government to take urgent action to tackle long waiting times.

Despite recent announcements from the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) about measures to increase testing capacity, including reintroducing overtime incentives for examiners and recruiting new staff — thousands of learner drivers are still facing months-long waits for a test slot.

Between June and September 2025, the DVSA conducted nearly 42,000 more driving tests compared to the same period last year, yet demand continues to far outstrip supply. Liz Jarvis says this is not good enough and that the Government has “failed to get a grip” on the backlog. She is urging the Transport Secretary to invest in more examiners and local test centre capacity to meet rising demand.

Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said:

“I’ve heard from countless young people and families in our community who are desperate to book a driving test but are being forced to wait for months on end.

“For many, being able to drive isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for work, education, and caring responsibilities. The Government keeps announcing new initiatives, but we’re still seeing the same story of delay and frustration.

“Ministers need to stop tinkering around the edges and take real action to get this sorted once and for all.”