Measures to combat long waiting lists for driving tests at the Transport Control Department (TCD) have paid off, Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said yesterday.

Although things are still not perfect, the waiting time for an appointment for a driving test has been drastically reduced, meaning people now only have to wait a matter of days.

Last summer, people calling TCD to make an appointment for a driving test were told they would have to wait up to three months before they could be fitted in.

However, Dr. Brown said yesterday: "Now, you can call today and get an appointment for the 21st."

The drastic reduction in the waiting line was brought about by the use of additional assistance from other driving examiners on the Island, such as those at the Public Transportation Board (PTB).

"Whenever we need help from now on we will call them to put out the fire," said Dr. Brown.

Opening hours at TCD have also changed in order to be more "user-friendly" for those working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"It opens at eight now," said Dr. Brown.

"Flexi-time - this is yet another example of how we went out and solved the problem within our own Ministry; we didn't have to hire anyone new and we definitely didn't go to Canada and get our own consultant," he said laughing.

Legislation to allow those holding an overseas driver's licence to "fast-track" the testing process here in Bermuda is still in the works. Such legislation would reduce the number of people needing driving tests, which would also help to keep the backlog permanently down.

"I'm taking it to the House of Assembly this year," said Dr. Brown. "Hopefully it will come up before the summer."

However so far the changes at TCD are having a "wonderful" effect.

"When we began at TCD, it was clear that we had to change the environment there," said Dr. Brown.

"Under the direction of Kevin Monkman, we have been able to make significant steps in that direction. Things are not perfect, but TCD is a much happier and efficient place."