Lincolnshire: DVSA shortages spark fury as rural learners face costly driving test struggle

Hemma Visavadia
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:15:58 +0000

The DVSA is facing mounting criticism over a shortage of driving test slots, after a Lincolnshire council warned rural learners are being priced off the road.

West Lindsey District Council has agreed to formally contact the DVSA demanding a rethink on local test provision, after councillors said residents are being forced to travel miles just to take their exams.

The move was approved at a full council meeting, following a motion from Councillor Lesley Rollings. Members backed her call to press the agency for better access, with support from Councillor Trevor Young.

Council Leader Jackie Brockway will now write to the DVSA, with copies of the letter also being sent to Gainsborough MP Edward Leigh and Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Andrea Jenkyns.

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At the heart of the row is the lack of a local driving test centre. Learners in the district must travel to either Lincoln or Scunthorpe to sit their practical test.

Councillor Rollings said this is hitting young people and those on low incomes hardest. She told the meeting: "The nearest practical driving test centres for residents are currently located in Lincoln and Scunthorpe.

"As a result, learner drivers from towns such as Gainsborough must pay for extended driving lessons simply to travel to and practise around these locations."

According to Ms Rollings, the extra travel time and lessons are pushing up costs significantly, "and places many young people and low-income residents at a disadvantage".

She warned in rural areas, having a licence is often essential for accessing employment opportunities, apprenticeships, and further education.

The council's intervention comes as new national rules on driving tests begin to take effect, in a bid to reduce the backlog.

From March 31, learners can only change their test appointment twice, down from six times previously.

From May 12, only the learner will be allowed to book and manage their test, with instructors banned from doing it on their behalf.

A further change on June 9 will restrict candidates to switching their test only between their three nearest centres.

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The Government explained that the measures are designed to cut long waiting times. Booking or changing a test for someone else will also become a criminal offence from mid-May.

The DVSA explained it is already working to tackle the backlog through a seven-point plan introduced in late 2024. Under new chief executive Beverley Warmington, the agency has also brought in extra capacity.

Military examiners have been drafted to carry out tests once a week, potentially adding thousands of extra slots. Overtime schemes also helped deliver nearly 75,000 additional tests in 2025 compared with the previous year.

Roads Minister Simon Lightwood said: "Driving is a lifeline for many, opening doors to jobs, opportunities and ultimately contributing to the growth of our economy."

But councillors in West Lindsey fear the changes could make things worse locally.

With fewer chances to change bookings and tighter limits on where tests can be taken, learners in towns like Gainsborough may have even less flexibility.

The local authority argued that while the reforms aim to fix delays, they risk penalising rural communities where driving is not a luxury but a necessity.

The council is now urging the DVSA to rethink its approach, warning that without better local access, many residents could be left stuck without a licence and cut off from work and education.