The Know Daily - Wednesday 7 May 2025

_{Read in 4m 45s ∙ Listening to Maggie Rogers ∙}

Newspaper and social enterprise Big Issue has launched urban gardening project Big Grow! Public spaces will be transformed into gardens and marginalised local communities taught to grow and harvest their own fresh fruit and veg 🧑‍🌾 It’s hoped the project will create a “supportive environment where food becomes a tool for positive change,” according to the Big Issue’s director.

🚘 Driving delays

The British government has announced measures to reduce the backlog of driving tests for learners.

Tell me more.
A BBC report found that 75% of Britain’s 319 driving test centres have hit the maximum average waiting time – 24 weeks – to book a practical test. New slots are released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) every Monday at 6am but both learners and instructors  – who can book for pupils allowing them to bypass – often find nothing available, or if they do, slots are far in advance and not local. Logging onto the DVSA website to book a test “is almost like buying a festival ticket”, one learner driver said.

Why?
During the pandemic, driving tests were suspended for the general public, though some were available to emergency and key workers. Average waiting times increased to 15 weeks, and since then, they have sharply increased. 

There's also been an “increase in demand and a change in customers' booking behaviour”, with many learner drivers encouraged to book their exams far in advance, according to the DVSA. What’s more, there’s been a surge in companies using bots to buy up test slots quicker than humans can, before selling them at marked-up prices. In fact, the DVSA has closed over 800 accounts for misusing the booking service in the last 2 years. A shortage of training instructors is further adding to the backlog.

What’s being done about it?
The government recently announced measures to reduce waiting times to just 7 weeks by next summer through:

• Doubling training capacity so more driving examiners will be available 

• Calling those in DVSA roles who are qualified, but no longer examine, to “return to the frontline”

• Reintroducing overtime pay incentives for instructors and anyone involved in delivering exams

In addition, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced she’ll be launching a consultation this month to improve the booking system and block bots from accessing tests.

🇮🇳 UK-India trade deal: After three years of negotiations, Britain and India have signed a landmark free trade agreement.

• The bigger story: This deal slashes tariffs on 90% of UK exports to India – like cars and medical devices – and gives 99% of Indian exports duty-free access to the UK market. It’s expected to boost trade between the two countries by £25.5b a year by 2040. While it's said to be the UK's most significant post-Brexit trade achievement, some critics suggest tax exemptions for Indian workers here could create a two-tier tax system.

⛪️ Papal conclave: The election to select the next pope starts today – here’s who is in the running.

🏎️ Toy racers: Lego unveiled life-sized, drivable Formula 1 cars built entirely from its bricks and driven by celeb racers.

☎️ AI answerphone: A new AI robot can call elderly parents on behalf of their adult children in an effort to combat loneliness.

🌴 Tourist tax: Hawaii is introducing a $25 'green fee' for hotel guests to fund environmental conservation projects.

📱 Foldable phones: Apple could stagger the release of next year's iPhones to introduce a new foldable model.

💆 Chill capital: Madrid has been named Europe's health and wellness hotspot – check out this list for inspo for your next getaway to unwind (....and relax!).

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Trivia answer: A) Hamilton is the first Broadway cast recording album in history to reach the milestone.

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