Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council has formally raised concerns with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) following a growing number of complaints from local residents about severe delays in accessing car driving tests at the Scunthorpe Test Centre and across the region.
A number of residents have contacted Cllr Waltham, frustrated by the lack of available test slots – with the DVSA’s own booking system showing no availability until at least April 2026. Driving instructors have reported that only one examiner was working at the Scunthorpe Test Centre on certain days, and the backlog is still being attributed to Covid, despite the pandemic being five years behind us.
“I’ve taken this issue up directly with the DVSA,” said Cllr Waltham. “While they’ve outlined a seven-point plan and a commitment to increase testing capacity by 10,000 slots per month, it’s clear that these measures are not yet making a difference for our residents. The system is broken, and it’s causing real stress and disruption for young people and families across North Lincolnshire.”
Residents have also raised concerns about the expiry of theory test certificates, which could force many to retake the test due to delays entirely outside their control. The DVSA has confirmed that extensions are not possible without legislative change.
Cllr Waltham is continuing to follow up with the DVSA and other relevant bodies to push for urgent improvements. He is also calling on residents to share their experiences.
“I want to hear from anyone affected by these delays. The more evidence we have, the stronger our case will be to demand meaningful change. Please contact me directly so we can keep raising this issue together.”
Contact Cllr Rob Waltham MBE by emailing Rob.Waltham@northlincs.gov.uk.
