The lack of traffic examiners in Gipuzkoa is causing a backlog in practical driving tests for obtaining a driver’s license. There are around 5,000 students waiting to take the skills and driving exam, with the number increasing. The frustration has led to a protest, with 90 vehicles from local driving schools forming a caravan in the streets near the Provincial Traffic Headquarters of Gipuzkoa. The President of the Association of Driving Schools of Gipuzkoa, Arantxa Otamendi, expresses the monumental anger among the students and driving instructors affected by this situation.
Ander, a 19-year-old resident of Pasaia, has been waiting for over four months since passing his theoretical exam for a date to take the practical exam. He is just one of the nearly 5,000 young people experiencing delays in obtaining their driver’s license. In Gipuzkoa, there should be ten examiners and a coordinator, allowing for an average of 120 practical tests per day. However, currently only six examiners are operational, with one on sick leave. The shortage of personnel in the traffic offices exacerbates the situation, with only six out of 20 assigned employees working.
According to the driving school instructors, this backlog in exams has never been experienced before. The lack of examiners and administrative staff means that students are discouraged and left wondering how long it will take to get their license. Many are opting to go to other provinces like Soria, Burgos, or Salamanca to expedite the process. The situation has become urgent, with students planning their vacations in other regions to enroll in driving schools there. The system is overwhelmed, and the delays continue to grow, yet no solution is in sight.
The Delegation of the Government in the Basque Country acknowledges the personnel shortage and has announced the imminent arrival of four new examiners from other Spanish provinces to alleviate the situation. The commitment to resolve the issue urgently has been made, as the government recognizes the pressing need to increase the number of examiners and administrative staff to meet the demand. However, skepticism remains among driving school representatives who have heard promises in the past that have not been fulfilled.
The Association of Driving Schools of Gipuzkoa is calling on the Basque government and political parties to demand the transfer of driving exams to address the issue definitively. Without an adequate number of examiners, the backlog of 5,000 students waiting for their tests will only continue to grow. The need for additional resources and personnel is crucial to reduce the alarming waiting list and ensure that students can complete their driving tests in a timely manner. The urgency to address this long-standing issue is evident as students face delays and potential obstacles in obtaining their driver’s license.
