In the midst of exceedingly long driving test centre queues, Lincoln’s very own motoring maestro, Alistair Fox of Alistair Fox Driving, has dished out his best advice to learner drivers. With a wait time of 19 weeks at the Lincoln test centre and an eye-watering 24 weeks at the Grantham (Somerby) centre, Fox calls the situation ‘as rubbish as when I started in 2021’.
However, our local driving sage isn’t just complaining about the hold-up; he’s offering solutions. Fox highlights the potential of using apps to snag cancellations and secure a test date sooner. He also urges learners to not overlook the theory test, which is as crucial and challenging as the practical one.
According to Fox, once learners have nailed the theory and show promising driving skills, he suggests taking a break from regular lessons until a month before the booked test date. He applauds apps for their role in snagging quicker tests, though he also warns of the stiff competition.
To ease the test-taking pressure, Fox advises keeping the test date a secret. He reassures that failing isn’t the end of the road. With the correct use of apps, another test can be booked just ten days after a failed attempt.
Fox fondly recalls his own test experience back in 1988, reminiscing about filling out forms at the post office and enduring months-long waits without the advantages of the internet or apps. Despite the current wait times, he admits things are better now.
In response to the test delays, a DVSA spokesperson revealed plans to implement a 7-point strategy to reduce wait times and protect learners from exploitation. The DVSA also reminded learners they can choose any test centre that suits their personal circumstances if their preferred centre is unavailable.
