Championing Driving Test Availability in Aberdeenshire
The Inverurie and District Driving School Association (IDDSA) is dedicated to advocating for the residents of Aberdeenshire regarding the significant waiting times for driving tests. With continuing demand for driving tests, we have engaged proactively with both the DVSA and parliamentary representatives, which ensures that the voices of both driving instructors and learners are heard. One of our members, Phil Machray, recently sent an open letter to stakeholders spotlighting the pressing challenges of test availability, urging immediate action to address this issue that is impacting our community. This led to interest from the Press see the BBC News report below. Phil and his pupil appeared on Television as well to highlight the issue
The Importance of Driving Tests
Understanding the Impact on Our Community
Driving tests are essential not only for individual safety but also for the overall mobility in our region, rural Aberdeenshire often means that the car is the only oppertunity for young people to get to and from employment oppertunities. In Aberdeenshire, limited test availability delays the aspirations of new drivers and hinders their ability to get to and from college or university. By engaging in dialogue with the DVSA, the IDDSA advocates for additional test slots, which is fundamental for clearing the test backlog both locally and nationally.
A Call to Action
Phil Machray's Open Letter
Phil Machray's open letter serves as a crucial manifesto summarising the concerns over the dwindling number of driving tests available in Aberdeenshire. This communication not only informs the public about these challenges but also serves as a rallying call for government bodies to reassess and reform driving test policies. It is imperative that we unite as a community to push for systemic changes that would facilitate a more robust testing infrastructure.
Engaging with the Community
Building a Collective Response
Community engagement is pivotal for the IDDSA in raising awareness about driving test issues. By publicising the issues, we ensure that the broader community understands the implications of current test availability constraints. We encourage constructive dialogue between residents, driving instructors, and policymakers to collectively seek viable solutions to this pressing concern.
Advocacy for Positive Change
Strengthening Our Representation
As a professional association, the IDDSA takes pride in advocating for the needs of driving schools and student drivers alike. Our mission extends beyond merely raising issues; we strive to actively participate in discussions that inform policy changes affecting driving tests in Aberdeenshire. By working closely with authorities, we aim to highlight additional initiatives that would improve driving test access and ensure that every aspiring driver can fulfil their goal of obtaining a driving licence and therefore the freedom and oppertunities that this brings.
Harriet Cross - local MP
Letter to The CEO of the DVSA
This letter is the one written by our local MP, Harriet Cross, who put her weight behind our plight to seek action from the DVSA to take action not just nationally, but locally and targetted to our community in Aberdeenshire.
Dylan trying to book a test locally - “I'm going away to university in mid-September, and that's coming close”
Link to the News article:
Test Waiting Times - BBC News
Dylan Whitely, 17 - BBC News - 24th April 2025
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