Kingston University students have been caught up in the UK government’s astonishing driving test backlog.
Recent data from the UK Driving & Standards agency has shown there are 600,000 people waiting to take the practical exam, where they will finally be able to take to the roads should they pass
The study also shows 15% fewer tests were conducted in comparison to last year.
On person waiting in line is Kingston University Sports Science student, Camron Gbewonyo.
“I booked my test earlier in April this year, and I’m still waiting,” Gbewonyo tells The River. “It’s frustrating to be held on so long. The system they have in place feels rigged, people are somehow allowed to bot the driving tests and resell them for double, even triple the price.”
“This doesn’t happen with other services from the government, such as passports and applying for universal credit, so why driving tests? That is just poor on the government and shows how much they really care. They’ve done nothing to combat this.”
The DVSA has been told by Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, to up their efforts in delivering tests, under the government’s plan of change.
Meanwhile, Tyrell Wilkinson who studies Electronic Engineering, stated his struggles with gaining his license. “The system is flawed and full of errors,” he said. “Sometimes, I think with all the costs of driving, the sky-high insurance rates and just the state of the roads in general, was it worth all the trouble?
“The standard price for the driving test is £62, yet I paid £110 – It’s almost double! Out of pressure from friends and family, I found somebody on Snapchat, who was selling slots. It didn’t feel right, but I felt exhausted waiting with no outcome.
With impatience reaching fever pitch, those waiting are begging for the system to be overhauled. Research by The River found 62% of Kingston students believe the government should implement AI in order to help tackle the problem.
Tyrell added: “I know many find the technology a grey area, but it would be able to detect others botting and cheating the waitlist and intervene.”
Alexander has also introduced new measures to combat and cut down the waiting list, including others in DVSA roles to assist and oversee examinations. There are also plans to double examiners, to help mitigate the issue.
Another major force in bettering the situation is adding 10,000 tests, reported by the Independent.
Gbewonyo adds: “While adding these tests will help, a main factor for this backlog is the botting and reselling. If they’re all going to be resold for double the price, who does that help? Only those cheating the system.”
“Once they find a solution for that root issue, along with adding AI systems to detect and discourage this cheating, I personally think the system will be running smoother. At the end of the day, I don’t want to be deterred from driving, it’s something that would definitely make my life easier, and only add to the lives of those waiting.”
