More people will be able to book driving tests in Hornchurch after new examiner hires, it has been revealed.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said the Hornchurch driving test centre will benefit from five new examiners working in the area. 

In response to an email from Julia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, Loveday Ryder, chief executive of the DVSA, said the agency recognises the difficulties learners face in booking tests.

"I should like to assure [you] that we are committed to reducing waiting times and will continue to do all we can, as quickly as we can, to increase availability at all test centres," she said.

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According to Ms Ryder, the new hires "will enable us to increase the availability and flexibility of testing in the area".

The DVSA said the new hires will help the six existing examiners at Hornchurch driving test centre, and will work across the wider area at other test centres.

It was reported by the BBC last year that the agency had closed 5,000 suspicious booking accounts after operators were found to be bulk booking slots for profit.