DVSA update: Update on plans to help tackle driving test waiting times

DVSA launched their plan to help reduce the driving test waiting times at the end of 2024.

As part of ongoing scrutiny of their work by the Transport Select Committee (TSC) the Future of Roads Minister, Lillian Greenwood, has written to the Committee to provide an update on DVSA’s progress against the measures, as well as in other areas of work.

You can view the letter on the TSC website.

DVSA also want to make sure you have the latest information, so below is an overview of the 7 measures from the letter.

1. Recruit and train 450 driving examiners

DVSA have been working towards the target of recruiting and training 450 examiners since July 2024. So far, they have run two successful recruitment campaigns. From these campaigns they have:  

• 116 examiners now delivering practical driving tests
• 63 examiners in training
• 46 people booked to start their examiner training course
• 171 undergoing pre-employment checks

They are aiming to launch a new recruitment campaign in March 2025.

2. Review and improve the rules for booking driving tests

DVSA told you in early February that they had just short of 27,000 responses to their call for evidence on booking and managing a car driving test. This level of response gives them a really strong evidence base to work from for the consultation, which they hope to launch in spring 2025.

As part of their future planning for booking and managing driving tests, they are continuing to work towards appointing a supplier for their new driver services platform. This will replace the current system.

The project is currently going through the required government approvals. They will update you when there are further developments.

3. Introduce tougher terms and conditions for the online business service

DVSA introduced updated terms and conditions for businesses booking driving tests on 6 January 2025.

The new terms and conditions make it clear that driving instructors and businesses must not book driving tests on behalf of learner drivers they are not teaching.

They asked all users of the online booking system to accept the new terms and conditions and they continue to monitor closely for evidence of non-compliance, which will lead to suspension of business booking accounts.

4. Consult on new proposals to increase the amount of time people have to wait to book another test in certain situations

They are currently working on the proposals to increase the amount of time people have to wait to book another test if they either:

• make multiple serious or dangerous faults during their driving test
• physically or verbally assault their driving examiner
• fail to attend their driving test without telling DVSA – and consider charging them a penalty

DVSA will keep you updated as this work progresses so you can give your views.

5. Increase the amount of notice you need to give to change or cancel a car driving test without losing the fee

DVSA want to increase the amount of notice people need to give to change or cancel their car driving test, without losing their fee, to 10 clear working days. They are working with the Department to finalise parliamentary time to allow this change. They hope to be able to give you more detail on the timing for this shortly.

6. Explore changing the current 24-week limit on how far ahead car driving tests can be booked

They have already started to explore the implications of extending the window for booking driving tests. This work will help them better understand how many people want to take a driving test at each test centre.

7. Ready to Pass? campaign

They are working to expand the campaign in a number of key areas, including:

• increasing awareness for learners taking their first attempt at both the theory test and practical driving test. They will also focus on engaging learners earlier in their journey, promoting evidence-based behaviours that help to increase pass rates
• raising awareness of the campaign amongst approved driving instructors (ADI). They will put particular emphasis on new instructors, as our research shows they are less likely to be aware of the campaign. They will develop tools to help them to have more effective coaching conversations with pupils about skill development and test readiness
• developing additional resources to help candidates manage test-day nerves and anxiety

DVSA will shortly be publishing a blog post on despatch to give more details on how they are monitoring the success of the campaign.

Keeping you updated on progress

They will continue to keep you updated on each of the individual measures that make up the plan to help reduce waiting times. DVSA would encourage you to make sure you continue to regularly check your emails for updates and that you engage with any consultations, surveys or call for evidence as these are the best way for you share your views with them.