Keith Brown MSP has called for urgent action over driving test delays, saying the system has become an “expensive, frustrating and increasingly unattainable process” for local learners.
The politician has written to the Secretary of State for Transport after being contacted by constituents across Clackmannanshire and Dunblane who have struggled to book a practical driving test.
He said: “Constituents have told me they are logging on before six o’clock in the morning only to find themselves behind tens of thousands of other people in a virtual queue.
“Many then spend two hours or more waiting while they should be getting ready for work, travelling to work or college, or caring for their families, with no guarantee of securing a test.
“That simply isn’t how a modern public service should operate.”
He said the delays were also adding to the cost of learning to drive, with people having to continue paying for lessons while they wait for a test.
Some learners had abandoned lessons because they could no longer afford the continuing expense, he added.
The MSP has urged the UK Government to consider a temporary extension to the validity of theory-test certificates for people affected by lengthy waits.
It is valid for two years, but he said some constituents had seen their certificates expire before they could secure a practical test appointment.
This could leave them having to pay to sit the theory test again through no fault of their own.
He has also raised concerns over differences in driving test pass rates across the country.
Constituents had questioned Stirling driving test centre’s pass rate of around 39 per cent, compared with a national average of 48.7 per cent, and called for greater transparency around the figures.
Mr Brown has asked why recent changes to the booking system have not improved access to tests and what further action will be taken to bring down waiting times.
He added: “Being able to drive is essential for many people, particularly in rural and semi-rural communities like ours where public transport is often limited.
“It opens the door to employment, apprenticeships, education and greater independence.
“Learners deserve a driving test system that works. If the UK Government cannot deliver that after several years of disruption, it must explain how and when it intends to fix the problem.”
He said responsibility for driver testing should potentially be devolved to the Scottish Parliament if the UK Government cannot resolve the issue.
The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
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