Fears of a 6-month waiting list for driving tests on the Isle of Wight have been quashed after alarming posts appeared on Facebook this week.
Several driving instructors have said they are unable to book driving tests in August, September, October, November and December, leading to fears that those learning to drive would have to wait for a significant period of time before being able to take their test.
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency have confirmed to Island Echo that the Newport-based test centre operates on an 18-week rolling programme, meaning that any dates available out of the 18 week period will not appear to those trying to book a test for later in the year.
Tests remains readily available for May, June and July, with some tests also available in August and the beginning of September.
The current wait for a test is relatively short, however has been known locally to rise to around 10 weeks.
DVSA Head of Operations, Phil Lloyd, said:
“The increase in demand for driving tests is continuing, and we acknowledge that waiting times are currently higher than we would like in some of our locations.
“We are working to address this as quickly as possible and will continue with further examiner recruitment campaigns throughout 2016.
Article continues below this advertisement “Recruitment from the 2015 campaigns has resulted in 193 new examiners starting work at test centres across Great Britain. Offers have also been made to a further 140 people, who are currently on the new entrant training course or waiting to attend.”
Island Echo understands the future of the centre remains secure for at least another 12 months.
