Driver learners in the Rhineland currently have to wait longer than usual for their driving test. TÜV and the Driving Instructors Association hold each other responsible.
Cologne (dpa / lnw) - Due to long waiting times for driver's license test dates, the North Rhine Driving Instructors' Association is demanding more backing and more capacity from TÜV Rheinland. From this Saturday there will be additional test dates from TÜV Rheinland in the Düsseldorf area and the surrounding area. Learner drivers can now also take their practical test at the weekend. However, this is not enough for driving instructors. "We cannot maintain our training mandate in this form," said the chairman of the driving instructors' association, Kurt Bartels, of the German Press Agency.
Normally, test dates for learner drivers are ordered from TÜV around three weeks in advance. Now, like many of his colleagues, he gets appointments in October for January or February. "No driving instructor can train you properly on that."
Bartels also complains about the lack of support from TÜV in communication. "It would be desirable if a letter was issued and said that there was a problem on the part of the TÜV, because we'll get the trouble." He therefore demands a statement from TÜV for his students and parents.
The long waiting times for test dates also cause driving schools financial problems. Some driving schools have already reduced their business because of the traffic jam. A driving instructor drives an average of 50 driving lessons per week, now it is often only half. "Some colleagues have existential concerns," said Bartels.
TÜV Rheinland recently referred to the test problem itself and blamed the effects of the corona pandemic for the situation. Many illnesses led to a high failure rate of driving tests. However, TÜV Rheinland also pointed out that many driving schools book too many appointments and that a large proportion are not used at all and are therefore cancelled.
