Calls for more staff after driving tests cancelled

Driving instructor Tom Burnett says there are not enough examiners

A Guernsey driving instructor has said the States needs to recruit more test examiners.

It follows the cancellation of driving tests in the island this week.

Instructor Tom Burnett said there is not enough cover for examiners who fall sick or take annual leave.

The government has apologised and said those who have had their tests cancelled are being offered new dates.

"There's been no forward planning," said Mr Burnett.

"They haven't taken on enough examiners to start with, so there's no-one to stand in for sickness or holidays."

No learner spaces

He said the test cancellations means he is having to turn new driving pupils away.

"I get six or seven phone calls a day asking if I have spaces.

"Sadly because we can't move the pupils on, we can't create the spaces in the books."

Mr Burnett added when driving test spaces do get released, it creates "a mad rush".

"It's like trying to book a ticket for Taylor Swift," he said.

Kevin Lesbirel, manager from Licensing and Operations at Traffic and Highway Services, said cancelled tests were now being rescheduled.

"Unfortunately, we’ve been required to reschedule some practical driving tests due to staff absence, however, most driving tests for cars and heavy goods vehicles have now been rescheduled and any that are still outstanding will be shortly offered new dates within the next month," he said.

"We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by these unforeseen circumstances, and we’ll continue to rearrange tests as quickly as possible."