The House of Representatives does not see anything in the proposed emergency measures of the Central Bureau for Driving Tests (CBR) to reduce waiting times for driving tests. The corona crisis has forced more than 600.000 exams to be passed.
These are steps to be taken if driving schools fail to improve success rates. The CBR proposes to temporarily stop 17-year-olds from taking a driving test, and to scrap performance anxiety exams and interim tests for the time being.
Last resort
Also the cancellation of exams for 17-year-olds cannot count on the mercy of the MPs. That step comes “too quickly” for VVD member Peter de Groot. And the proposal to temporarily stop the mid-term test (a kind of mock exam) is also not successful.
According to the minister, the emergency measures are a “last resort” that “hopefully we will never have to deploy”. She called on driving schools not to send candidates for an exam until they are sufficiently prepared. Improving the pass rate by 10 percent will save 80.000 exams per year, she said.
Success rates
At the end of May it will become clear whether the success rates of the driving schools have improved. If not, emergency measures are considered. According to the minister, the CBR has looked "thoroughly" at all options for reducing waiting times.
The CBR is already taking steps to tackle waiting times. A hundred additional driving examiners are being hired and more overtime is being worked. Retired examiners have also been asked to get back to work.
Also read: Again tests and exams will lapse at the CBR
