Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the financial impact of the cost of learning to drive on individuals from low-income backgrounds.

The Government recognises the financial impact of the cost of learning to drive on learner drivers, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

To help reduce learning to drive costs where possible, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published guidance on GOV.UK for family members and friends who wish to supervise a learner driver. This guidance explains who can supervise a learner driver, the rules that apply and how to plan practice sessions safely. Where private practice is available, it may help learners reduce the number of paid lessons required before their test.

Reducing driving test waiting times remains a priority for both the Government and the DVSA.