Driving examiner strike: Testers to stage two-day walkout to coincide with new test launch
As many as 2,000 examiners will take part in the walkout, affecting 'thousands of driving tests'
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Your support makes all the difference.Driving examiners are to stage a 48-hour strike from 4 December, the day a new driving test is launched, in a dispute over working conditions.
The Public and Commercial Service union (PCS) said up to 2,000 of its members will take part in the walkout, warning that thousands of driving tests will be affected.
An overtime ban and work to rule will also be held, from 23 November, which the union said could lead to last minute cancellations of tests across England, Wales and Scotland.
The union said examiners were being told to work longer, harder and for no extra pay when the new tests are introduced.
The driving test is being modified in a bid to ensure learners are better prepared for real-life driving conditions.
Changes to the practical test include asking candidates to follow directions on a sat nav instead of following road signs, replacing manoeuvres such as reversing with driving into a parking bay, and asking a vehicle safety question while the candidate is driving, such as how to use the rear heated screen.
The union has called for the new test to be suspended pending a full safety review, and wants a limit of six tests a day for examiners.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: "The fact PCS is trying to undermine the launch of the new test by calling for strike action shows a shameful disregard for both road safety and learner drivers who have worked so hard to be ready to take their test.
"The new driving test has been designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving. It is one step in helping reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Britain's roads.
"During the last three years the changes - which are welcomed by most examiners, road safety experts, disability groups and instructors - have been developed and trialled extensively with a wide range of our staff, learners and other organisations. Over 4,000 candidates were involved in the trial.
"I met with PCS on November 2 and they turned down my offer of mediation, although our offer still stands. This means that we cannot move forward together to resolve this dispute, for the sake of our staff and customers."
Press Association
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