Analysis has shown that over 800 driving tests may have been missed in the Borders due to coronavirus restrictions. The average number of tests taken between April and August numbered 831, over the last 3 years.
The Scottish Government announced last week that driving lessons can resume from the 24th August, although this remains an indicative date for the time being. Driving tests were stopped in March to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
The figure does not take into account those who live in the Scottish Borders but opt to take their test in Berwick Upon Tweed, or elsewhere.
The historical data relates to tests taken in Duns, Kelso, Galashiels, Hawick and Peebles.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), who carry out driving tests in the UK, estimated in June that already 400,000 tests had not gone ahead across the UK.
The DVSA say that they will prioritise testing for those who had tests booked before lockdown, before taking any new bookings. Critical workers have been able to continue to take driving tests throughout lockdown to help them perform their duties.
A Borders parliamentarian has expressed his concerns about the figures and what this will mean for young people especially. Mr Lamont has written to the DVSA to see how they intend to clear the backlog of tests, after concerns were brought to him from constituents.
John Lamont MP said: “Although it would be great to say that public transport in the Borders meant that driving was not a necessity for most, we all know that is not true.
“For obvious reasons driving lessons and tests had to stop in March to help stop the spread of coronavirus. This was the right decision. However, now I fear for the hundreds of young people across the Borders who will not be able to drive as quickly as they need.
“Driving to get to a place of work or to college or university is the only viable option for a lot of people. With an already extremely tough jobs market for young people, I fear this will be another obstacle for them to overcome.
“With no date set in stone yet for the return of driving lessons and tests, it could be a while before this backlog is cleared and could affect people for months to come.
“I have written to the DVSA to see if there is any way they can increase capacity."
