LOCAL driving instructor Andrew Gale has blasted Queensland Transport for increased driving test waiting times in the wake of skyrocketing licence prices.

Mr Gale said he believed the problem was statewide and one that had seen waiting times double of late.

"I started in this industry four years ago and back then it was a two-to-three week wait," he said.

"Now it's gone out to a six-week wait and there are plenty of occasions when you get on the computer system and there are no places available at all."

Mr Gale said it was his understanding that the system was designed so that there would never be a situation in which there were no appointments available.

"This is the only way people can get their licence and they fail to provide what I consider to be a decent service," he said.

"We have a fairly good success rate but when people do fail and they have to wait another six weeks it is particularly discouraging."

The long waits between appointments made it extremely difficult for the instructor to plan ahead in his business and said waits with log books had more than doubled this year alone.

He said the burden could be eased by allowing instructors to carry out testing.

Mr Gale added the licensing system had its own shortcomings, saying learners were required to purchase a three-year licence but it was not able to be carried over to a full licence once they passed.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said a new position will commence at the Warwick Customer Service Centre in about a week to help reduce the recent increase in waiting times caused by a surge in demand.

Mr Gale slammed the department response, saying it was just "another convenient excuse for the lag in the wait".

He encouraged people to log onto website www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au and complete a survey based on the department's services and performances.

"We all need to get on there and say it's not good enough and they should be doing something about it," he said.

"People deserve better for what they're paying."

The new smart licence

• The Queensland Government is replacing the current laminated driver's licence and heavy-vehicle driver's licence with more secure, durable and reliable licences.
• All licensing and personal information on the face of the laminated licence will remain on the face of the new card, and your address will be shown on the back.