MP reveals driving test delays

10.40.00am GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2004

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb, have revealed that the current waiting time to be allocated a driving test by the Jupiter Road test centre in Norwich is well above the national average.

His investigation of the issue follows complaints from constituents about how long they were having to wait for a practical test.

The written answer Mr Lamb has received from the Department for Transport states that while the national average waiting time is ten weeks (four higher than the Driving Standards Agency's target), the Jupiter Road centre has an eighteen-week waiting period.

Norman Lamb commented: "I have already written to the Driving Standards Agency on behalf of a constituent. These long waits are extremely inconvenient for many people. A delay of four months is ridiculous. I hope that action will be taken to improve the situation as soon as possible."