NEW government measures aimed at tackling long driving test delays and inflated booking fees have been welcomed by a local councillor.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced a series of reforms to its booking system following growing concerns about automated “bots” and third-party resellers snapping up test appointments before reselling them at heavily increased prices.
The changes, expected to be introduced this year, will include stricter identity checks, tighter rules around changing appointments, and measures designed to prevent abuse of the system.
The announcement follows concerns raised by residents across Oldham, who contacted Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE about lengthy waits for practical driving tests and the rising cost of securing appointments through unofficial booking services.
Some learner drivers reported paying hundreds of pounds for tests that officially cost between £62 and £75, while others said they had struggled to find appointments for months.
Cllr Chauhan wrote to government ministers in August 2025 outlining residents’ concerns and later received a formal response from Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood, acknowledging the issues and plans to address them.
Welcoming the reforms, Cllr Chauhan said: “I would like to thank the government and ministers for listening to the concerns that were raised by residents and campaigners regarding the serious problems within the driving test booking system.
“For many young people and working families, learning to drive is essential for accessing employment, education and independence. The long delays and unfair practices being experienced by learners have caused significant frustration and hardship.
“I welcome these reforms and the steps being taken by the DVSA to improve fairness, tackle exploitation by bots and resellers and restore confidence in the system. No learner driver should be priced out or locked out of the system. These reforms are a positive step toward restoring fairness for everyone.”
He added: “While these changes are encouraging, I will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure they deliver meaningful improvements for learner drivers across Oldham and the wider country. I remain committed to continuing to raise residents’ concerns and working constructively with the Government where further action is needed.”
The government says the reforms are part of wider efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to practical driving tests nationwide.
Learner drivers are also being advised to book tests through the official system on the government website, rather than using third-party services charging inflated fees.
Cllr Chauhan, who served as Mayor of Oldham between 2023 and 2025 and is an Honorary Freeman of the Borough, has previously campaigned on issues including healthcare access, homelessness and transport concerns across the borough.