Motoring & Transport, Poole | Posted on October 6th, 2025 | return to news

Local MP tackles driving test backlog in Poole

Vikki Slade MP helped secure four new driving examiners for Poole but is calling for more action to improve transport for young people in Dorset.

Trying to book a driving test is driving many people to despair, especially young people in rural locations.

In one recent story, a grandfather from Wimborne spent weeks getting up early on Monday mornings trying to book for his grandson through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website.

On one occasion, despite logging on by 6am, Martin Druce reportedly found himself 17,530th in the queue, before being kicked off the system and wrongly flagged as a bot. After hours of trying, he was met with the frustrating message: “No tests found on any date.”

The backlog of learners waiting to take tests increased sharply during the Covid pandemic when driving exams were put on hold.

Local MP Vikki Slade and colleagues responded to the backlog by challenging the minister and DVSA over the situation. In September, the DVSA announced that it recognised the issue and will recruit four new examiners for Poole.

Despite this success, Slade is calling for urgent action to improve transport for young people in rural areas, warning that too many are being left without affordable options.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole said: “For young people in rural areas like Dorset, being able to drive can be the difference between getting a job and being stuck at home. The DVSA backlog has left far too many in limbo.

“I’m pleased my intervention has delivered results locally, but the wider system still needs reform.”

One proposal that Slade is supporting is the extension of a scheme in Scotland that offers free bus passes for under-22s. She said the scheme would give young people in rural areas like Dorset more independence and opportunities.

“If you can’t drive or can’t afford the bus, you’re cut off from school, work, and training. Free bus travel for under-22s would be a real lifeline for rural communities.”