SNP pandemic plea to UK ministers: Extend theory test certificates

Wednesday, 27 January 2021 13:49

Embargoed: Not for publication before 0001 Thursday 28th January 2021 An SNP MP is today (Thursday) urging the UK government to extend the validity of theory test certificates in recognition of lockdown restrictions. Learner drivers have been under lockdown restrictions of one variety or another for almost a year. Under current UK legislation, the validity of driving theory test certificates only lasts for two years. Many learner drivers are finding that, as a result of restrictions, their...Request free trial

Embargoed: Not for publication before 0001 Thursday 28th January 2021

An SNP MP is today (Thursday) urging the UK government to extend the validity of theory test certificates in recognition of lockdown restrictions.

Learner drivers have been under lockdown restrictions of one variety or another for almost a year. Under current UK legislation, the validity of driving theory test certificates only lasts for two years. Many learner drivers are finding that, as a result of restrictions, their theory test certificates are expiring before they have the opportunity to sit a practical driving test.

Northern Ireland, which has devolved power over such matters, has already extended the validity of theory tests. Glasgow East MP David Linden has secured a parliamentary debate tonight, calling for the UK government to similarly extend the validity of certificates in the rest of the UK.

Speaking ahead of the debate, David Linden MP said:

“Current lockdown restrictions and cancelled tests have meant that tens of thousands of theory certificates have simply expired. This is not the fault of learner drivers and they shouldn’t be put back to square one by a UK government which, frankly, has no good reason for doing so.

“We’ve already seen common sense prevail in Northern Ireland which automatically extended theory certificates for its learner drivers. The UK Department for Transport must follow suit, otherwise learner drivers will have to pay again to take a test they’ve already passed.

“Left unchecked, this will result in the double whammy of learner drivers having to spend extra cash unnecessarily and also having to re-join a ridiculously long queue which is already backed up as a result of this year’s disruption.

“Ministers could extend the validity of MOTs at the beginning of lockdown, which is arguably much more dangerous than extending the validity of a theory test. Surely, then, they can extend theory test certificates to avoid further chaos.

“Learner drivers, driving instructors and the industry all want to see this change that’s what I’ll be pressing for in the House of Commons tonight.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

David Linden MP is available for broadcast interviews - contact fraser.macdonald@snpmedia.net

Contact details can be provided for a learner driver who has been impacted by the expiry of the test certificate, as well as the Chair of the Driving Instructors Association who is also happy to offer comment/interview.

Ordinarily, 1.2 million driving tests are undertaken in the UK every year, meaning hundreds of thousands of new learner drivers are preparing to hit the road at any one time.