Learner drivers are set to benefit from reduced waiting times as
the Transport Secretary announced new measures today (Wednesday
23rd April) to combat test-buying bots and provide thousands
of additional tests every month.
The Transport Secretary, , has instructed the DVSA to
intensify its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access
to driving tests which will break down barriers to opportunity as
part of the Government's Plan for Change.
To open up more tests and break down barriers to opportunity, she
has announced:
- Those in other DVSA roles who are qualified to examine will
be asked to return to the frontline to provide practical driving
tests.
- Doubling the number of permanent trainers to skill up new
driving examiners quickly.
- Accelerated consultation to investigate the potential abuse
of the driving test booking system and prevent bots from
accessing tests.
- Reintroduction of overtime pay incentives for everyone
delivering driving tests.
Taken together, the Government aims for these measures to reduce
driving test waiting times to 7-weeks by Summer next year.
Significant progress has already been made as part of the
DVSA's 7-point plan to
reduce waiting times, with 1.95m tests delivered last year.
However, further action is required to help learners pass quickly
and ensure young people can access vital training and job
opportunities to help them get on in life.
Transport Secretary, said:
“We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch
their L-Plates but being forced to endure record waiting time for
their tests.
“We simply cannot deliver on our Plan for Change if thousands
remain held back, with their aspirations on pause.
“I am instructing DVSA to take further action immediately to
reduce waiting times which will see thousands of additional
tests made available every month. We're acting fast to get
Britain's drivers moving.”
The DVSA's Additional Testing Award (ATA) scheme will reopen for
up to 18 months, allowing more examiners to deliver additional
tests.
Examiner training capacity will be doubled to ensure newly
recruited driving examiners can qualify as quickly as possible.
An accelerated consultation will also launch in May to improve
the booking system and block bots from accessing tests. This
comes on top of the work DVSA is already undertaking with leading
IT specialists to enhance resilience against resellers.
Additionally, the Government will temporarily ask eligible staff
to deploy into examining roles, increasing test availability and
providing coverage for examiner sickness or leave.
These measures come following the launch of a 7-point plan to
drive down the waiting times to 7 weeks.
Progress has been made in recruiting more than 100 new examiners,
increasing the short
notice cancellation period for candidates, and introducing
tougher terms and conditions for driving instructors booking
driving tests for their pupils.
DVSA Driver Services, Pauline Reeves said:
“Since December 2024, we've made significant progress on
implementing our plan to reduce waiting times. But we know that
many learner drivers are not seeing the immediate effects of the
measures.
“The further action which the Secretary of State has announced
today will help us to accelerate those measures, including
expanding training capacity for newly recruited driving examiners
so more of them can start carrying out driving tests
sooner.”
Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com car
insurance said:
"A long wait for driving test availability has held back many
learner drivers from getting their licence. That's why it's
positive to see that the Transport Secretary, , is enforcing more measures
to improve waiting times for learners. This will
bring hope to those starting to learn,
or still waiting to take their test. And
ultimately, it should help make what is meant to be an
exciting time for them something they can look forward to without
the thought of a long wait."
Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School,
said:
“Learner drivers have been dealing with frustratingly long
waiting times to book a driving test since the easing of pandemic
related restrictions several years ago. As we have highlighted,
there is an urgent need for effective action to bring waiting
times down to an acceptable level and, as such, we welcome
today's announcement giving further details of how the DVSA will
meet its target waiting time of seven weeks by the end of the
year.
“Many people, particularly young people, need to pass their
driving test for their job or to access education. Unblocking the
system by creating extra tests will help ensure people are not
being held back due to a lack of a driving licence.”
Notes to Editors:
