- New Chief Executive will join DVSA to drive implementation of
new plan to cut waiting times for learners
- Beverley Warmington arrives with exceptional track record of
leading large-scale operational transformation across Government
- She will grip delivery of reforms to reduce driving test
backlog while ensuring learners can access tests without
unnecessary delays
Beverley Warmington has been appointed as the new Chief Executive
of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to continue
work to tackle the driving test backlog and lead the delivery of
test booking reforms to cut waiting times.
As an experienced operational leader, Beverley brings almost two
decades of public service expertise to the role. This includes an
outstanding record in transforming large-scale service delivery
operations – most recently as Area Director for London, Essex and
Eastern England at the Department for Work and Pensions, where
she managed over 12,000 staff delivering services across multiple
sites.
Beverley will join DVSA at a critical juncture, with work
underway to reduce driving test waiting times that are preventing
learners from accessing jobs and opportunities.
Minister for Roads and Buses, ,
said: "Driving is more than just a means of
transport; it is a lifeline for many, opening doors to jobs,
opportunities and ultimately contributing to the growth of our
economy.
"Beverley Warmington brings a wealth of operational leadership
experience with her, including successfully managing large
workforces and transforming service delivery.
“I have every confidence she will grip the driving test backlog
and robustly oversee the reforms needed to ensure learners can
get on the road when they are truly ready and safe to do so."
DVSA Chair, Nick Bitel,
said: “I'm delighted to welcome Beverley to DVSA as
she takes up the role of Chief Executive in January.
“Her operational and transformational experience will be a huge
asset across DVSA's driver, vehicle and enforcement services,
especially as we continue our urgent work to help learners by
reducing driving test waiting times.”
Permanent Secretary at DfT, Jo Shanmugalingam,
said: "As the Secretary of State said at the recent
Transport Select Committee we would like to thank Loveday Ryder
for her five years leading DVSA, particularly through the Covid
period. We wish her the best for the future. "
Beverley will join DVSA on 5 January 2026. She will
take over from Loveday Ryder who led DVSA since January
2021.
She will lead DVSA as it continues to implement the
Government's 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times,
announced in December 2024.
Changes the Government has implemented include bringing in
military driving examiners to help conduct driving tests one day
a week for 12 months, delivering up to 6,500 more tests at
the driving test centres with the highest demand near their MOD
base or home location.
Additionally, only learner drivers will be able to book their own
tests and not instructors on their behalf and learner drivers
will only be able to make up to 2 changes to the driving test in
total – including moves, swaps and location changes – before
it must be cancelled and rebooked
Learner drivers will also be restricted to a limited
number of test centres, which are located close to the
original booking.
In addition, almost 75,000 more tests have been carried out
between June and November 2025, compared to the same period in
2024, as a result of overtime pay incentives for examiners.
