Unable to book a driving test, I had to take drastic measures – it cost me £150, but it was worth it
A STUDENT made a 1,000-mile round trip for her driving test because she couldn’t book one in her area.
Emily Doyle, 22, went on the monster expedition with mother Audrey, 50, due to the large test backlog.
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The musical theater student from Windsor, Berks, had been trying to book a test in Surrey since she passed her theory in April.
But it proved impossible, so she decided to look elsewhere – opting for the £150 trip to mum Audrey’s hometown of Aberdeen.
She passed the test with six minor errors. Emily said: “I’m really relieved I passed. I think it paid off.
“I could have waited a year or more for a test closer to home. It took a lot of planning and time.”
Audrey, an executive assistant, added: “I think it’s very extreme what we did, but the needs have to be it.” There was no alternative. We have never been able to secure an appointment even six months to a year in advance.
“You just can’t get dates. It’s frustrating and very extreme, but Emily was determined to take her test.”
Waiting times have skyrocketed due to high demand, the impact of Covid and industrial action.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency said: “We are taking all possible measures to reduce driving test waiting times. We strongly advise learners not to book their exam until they are ready to take it.”
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