'I'm losing my job due to driving test backlog'

A man who faces losing his job because he cannot book a driving test in time has said he is "gutted".

Patrick Pinfield from Redditch has been learning to drive for 18 months and first started trying to book a test in January, with the earliest available slot in June.

The 31-year-old is a refuse collector at Redditch Borough Council, but his contract will end next month because he has been unable to pass his test within 12 months of his employment starting.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said it was taking steps to make more tests available to tackle the backlog, adding: "We know there's still more to be done."

In December, the National Audit Office warned that learner drivers faced months of delays in booking practical tests because of a longstanding backlog that was unlikely to be cleared before 2027.

Redditch MP Chris Bloore said it had become a particular problem in the town, with the DVSA telling him part of the issue was down to bots booking tests in order to sell them on at inflated prices.

Pinfield said: "It was a year-and-a-half ago when I started learning to drive - I had my theory test done in January.

"I've been ready for a long time, but I've not been able to get a test booked. So now my work contract will terminate at the start of May.

"It's really going to impact my family. I've just had my first child and I feel like it's taking food from her mouth, purely because the online system wouldn't let me book a test in time."

He said it was a requirement of his employer that all crew members had to be able to drive.

The BBC has been contacted by other learner drivers in the town expressing similar frustration.

Rich Lewis, a youth worker, said: "Every Monday morning I'm up at 5am trying to book a test online. I end up sat in a queue of 20,000 people and by the time I get to the front all the slots are gone.

"I go through this process every week. Actually getting a slot seems as rare as a unicorn."

Bloore said he had spoken to the DVSA chief executive Beverley Warmington to express his concerns.

"I've heard from many people who are trying to get on with their lives but just can't get a test booked," he said.

"Most people who have contacted me seem to be having to wait six months, it's still a huge issue and is costing people jobs and opportunities in life."

A spokesperson for the DVSA said they "promised more tests" several months ago and were delivering on that.

"Since we introduced the additional test allowance scheme in June 2025, DVSA has seen an increase of 149,532 tests when compared to the same period in the previous year," they said.

"But we know there's still more to be done. That's why we're making changes to the way driving tests are booked, making the process fairer and clamping down on businesses that resell tests at inflated prices."

Redditch Borough Council has been contacted for comment.

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