Driving test
Further action announced on plans to reduce driving test waiting times
Today (Wednesday 23 April) the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has announced further action to help reduce driving test waiting times.
Although we’ve made significant progress on implementing our 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, we know that many learner drivers are not seeing the immediate effects of the measures introduced in December 2024.
The Transport Secretary has asked us to take additional action to reduce waiting times and improve learner drivers’ access to driving tests, advancing the Government’s Plan for Change.
Further Action
The further action announced today will see:
A fast-tracked launch for our planned consultation on putting a stop to the exploitation of learner drivers – in May 2025.
Incentivised additional testing offers for driving examiners – potentially creating thousands of extra tests per month.
Doubling our permanent training capacity for new driving examiners – meaning more can start carrying out driving tests sooner.
A call for volunteers from those currently in other roles (but qualified to examine) to carry out practical driving tests.
Progress on the 7-point plan
We’ve been working hard to implement the 7-point plan we announced in December. So far this has seen:
154 driving examiners recruited, trained and in post carrying out tests
tougher terms and conditions introduced for the service driving instructors use to book and manage car driving tests for their pupils – since this change DVSA has closed 90 business accounts, issued 25 warnings and made 4 suspensions.
a call for evidence – on how we can improve the rules for booking a driving test – nearly 27,000 people responded
an increase in the short notice cancellation period for cancelling a driving test from 3 to 10 working days
the Ready to Pass? Campaign continues to support your pupils to be sure they are ready to take their test and encourage them to reschedule it if they are not
We will continue to deliver the 7-point plan alongside the further action announced today.
Consultation on the driving test booking system
In December, we announced our plans to review and improve the driving test booking system to make sure that learner drivers can book their driving test easily and efficiently.
We know how important it is to put a stop to the exploitation of learner drivers and how this could impact waiting times.
Thousands of you have already played your part – along with your pupils – in responding to the call for evidence on the current rules and processes. We really appreciate the time you spent giving us your views.
We’ll contact you again in May when the consultation is due to launch. But we want to encourage you to get ready to have your say on the measures we believe will make the driving test booking service fair, accessible and safe.