Written questions by Anderson.

How many driving test examiners have left the DVSA in Ashfield constituency in the last year.

During the last 12 months, two driving examiners (DE) have retired in Ashfield. As a result of recruitment campaigns in Ashfield, in the last 12 months two new entrants were successful. One new entrant has completed their training and is conducting driving tests, the other new entrant, following successful completion of their training will start conducting tests in the next 7-8 weeks. A further new entrant will start their training on 23 June. In February, DVSA also transferred one examiner into Ashfield DTC.DVSA has received applications for its current campaign for the Ashfield cluster. The agency anticipates additional new entrants for late Autum from this campaign. DVSA is continuing with its recruitment campaigns and will recruit as many DEs as possible.The average and longest waiting times for a practical car driving test in Ashfield is shown in the table below: YearYTD Car Waiting Times (Average)Booking Window (longest waiting)2020 / 2021*11.84 Weeks18 Weeks**2021 / 202215.71 Weeks24 Weeks2022 / 202322.21 Weeks24 Weeks2023 / 202419.42 Weeks24 Weeks2024 / 202522.55 Weeks24 Weeks* Impacted by COVID restrictions.**Booking window was 18 weeks and changed to 24 weeks in 2021. Over the last 12 months, the regions that have experienced the longest driving test waiting times are in the South of England.The average waiting time in days for a theory test at test centres that serve customers in Ashfield can be found in the tables below: DerbyFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2226.922/2318.323/2419.424/2524.9 NottinghamFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2229.222/2318.523/2419.424/2526.0 ChesterfieldFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2223.222/2318.623/2420.724/2527.3 *Please note, DVSA only holds data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays. Theory tests can be booked up to 6 months in advance.I regularly meet with officials from DVSA to discuss various topics. The Secretary of State met with DVSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Loveday Ryder, on 21 May 2025 to discuss car practical driving test waiting times and other topics.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the validity of driving theory tests to a minimum of three years.

The maximum duration of two years between passing the theory test and a subsequent practical test is in place to ensure a customer’s road safety knowledge and ability to identify developing hazards is current. This validity period is set in legislation, and the Government has no current plans to lay further legislation to extend it. It is important road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills are up to date at the critical point a person drives unsupervised for the first time.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce processing times for applications to the blue badge digital service.

The Blue Badge Digital Service offers a national online application and badge management facility through GOV.UK. Nearly 90% of all badge applications are now made through this service. The Department for Transport runs a programme of continuous improvement to the digital service to make online badge applications quicker and easier for applicants and local authorities, including undertaking specific research and testing to identify innovative improvements to the online application process. The service also undergoes regular accessibility and assurance testing to guarantee compliance with the Government’s digital standards.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the blue badge digital service for applicants with disabilities.

The Blue Badge Digital Service offers a national online application and badge management facility through GOV.UK. Nearly 90% of all badge applications are now made through this service. The Department for Transport runs a programme of continuous improvement to the digital service to make online badge applications quicker and easier for applicants and local authorities, including undertaking specific research and testing to identify innovative improvements to the online application process. The service also undergoes regular accessibility and assurance testing to guarantee compliance with the Government’s digital standards.

Whether she is taking steps to reduce administrative requirements for local authorities handling the blue badge digital service.

The Blue Badge Digital Service offers a national online application and badge management facility through GOV.UK. Nearly 90% of all badge applications are now made through this service. The Department for Transport runs a programme of continuous improvement to the digital service to make online badge applications quicker and easier for applicants and local authorities, including undertaking specific research and testing to identify innovative improvements to the online application process. The service also undergoes regular accessibility and assurance testing to guarantee compliance with the Government’s digital standards.

What diversity, equality and inclusion targets her Department has for staff recruitment.

All recruitment at the Department for Transport (DfT) is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. As such there are no diversity, equality and inclusion targets for recruitment in the Department.

What the total cost was of providing translation services in her Department in the last year.

The total spend on Translation Services by DFT in the last financial year (2023/24) is £74,575.16

For what reason she agreed to the recent increase in train fares.

The recent 4.6 per cent increase to the cap on regulated rail fares, announced in last autumn's budget, supports the Government's long-term plan to achieve financial sustainability of the railway and is the lowest absolute increase in three years. Any long-term changes or concessions made to rail fares policy require balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England, outside of London.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. East Midlands Combined County Authority has been allocated £40.5 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.

Whether her Department has made an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse for legal costs relating to compulsory purchase orders made for the HS2 project.

All property acquisitions under compulsory purchase orders entail legal costs, for example in relation to conveyancing. The Department has not made an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse for legal costs associated with compulsory purchase orders for the HS2 project, as these costs vary depending on the size and complexity of each transaction and some cases have not yet been completed.

What steps her Department is taking to help reduce the cost of motor insurance premiums.

Our cross-Government taskforce on the cost of motor insurance is exploring how we can stabilise or reduce premiums to break down barriers to opportunity and grow the economy, delivering the Plan for Change. We will provide updates about the taskforce in due course.

What recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on the adequacy of the rule that driving tests cannot be booked more than 24 weeks in advance.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting ti...

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing approved driving instructors to conduct driving tests to help clear the current backlog.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting ti...

What the average waiting time is for a driving test at each driving test centre in Ashfield constituency.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting ti...

What recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on tackling the backlog of driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recognises there is a high demand for learners who are wanting to take their car practical driving test and is working hard to uphold road safety standards while reducing car practical driving test waiting ti...

What steps her Department is taking to support local bus services in Ashfield constituency.

Improving local bus services is a key part of this government’s growth mission. The government will introduce a Buses Bill later this Parliamentary session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across En...

Whether her Department plans to increase the frequency of bus services in Ashfield and Mansfield constituency.

Improving local bus services is a key part of this government’s growth mission. The government will introduce a Buses Bill later this Parliamentary session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across En...

What plans his Department has to help tackle backlogs of (a) road maintenance and (b) upgrades in Ashfield and Mansfield constituency.

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local highway network. Nottinghamshire County Council is the local highway authority for the Ashfield and Mansfield constituency, and they ar...

What steps she is taking to improve road (a) maintenance and (b) conditions in (i) Ashfield constituency and (ii) Nottinghamshire.

The Government takes the condition of local roads very seriously and is committed to maintaining and renewing the local road network.Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) is the local highway authority for the Ashfield constituency, and it is therefore res...

What steps is she taking to ensure the health and safety of (a) pedestrians and (b) motorists, in the context of increases in the use of e-bikes.

The Government is committed to ensuring the safety of our roads for all road users. Cyclists, whether riding an e-bike or a conventional pedal cycle, have a duty to behave in a safe and responsible manner and follow the rules set out in The Highway Code. The enforcement of cycling offences, such as cycling on the pavement or cycling without due care or attention, is a matter for the police.