§ Mr. David Youngasked the Minister of Transport what is the average waiting time for a driving test nationally and in each region.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe information is as follows:
Traffic Area Average Waiting Period (weeks) Northern 13½ Yorkshire 18 North Western 24 West Midland … … 17½ East Midland … … 23½ Eastern … … … 25 South Wales … … 22 Western … … … 24 South Eastern … … 17 Scottish (North) … … 26½ Scottish (South) … … 25½ Metropolitan … … 35 National average … 25½ The results of our recruitment drive for L-test examiners have become apparent and the rising trend of waiting periods which we inherited has been reversed. But there are still problem areas and more examiners are being recruited to ensure a continuing steady improvement.