To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of drivers in the bus and coach industries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to help improve the speed of the bus and coach driver licence acquisition process.

The Department for Transport regularly engages with bus and coach operators as well as the Confederation of Passenger Transport on many issues. We have increased the capacity of vocational driving tests available, including through the recruitment of additional driving examiners. These measures will make it easier for operators to recruit and train bus and coach drivers up and down the country.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is processing straightforward bus driving licence applications within five days and there are no delays. More complex cases may take longer.