Learner drivers are bracing themselves for a raft of changes as driving test rules undergo a major overhaul. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is on a mission to slash the lengthy waiting times faced by those eager to take their test and hit the road.
Waiting times have ballooned in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving prospective motorists twiddling their thumbs for nearly five months before they can sit their test. In response, the DVSA has revealed plans to bring 450 new driving examiners on board, freeing up more test slots.
However, the shake-up will also see alterations to how driving instructors book tests and handle cancellations. Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, unveiled the plans, stating: “A driving licence is a passport to employment, opportunities and better living standards for hundreds of thousands of people each year.”
She went on to highlight the strain on the system, noting: “Across the country, waiting times for a car practical driving test are at 13 weeks in Wales, over 15 weeks in Scotland and nearly 21 weeks in England. These figures highlight a system under strain.”
Greenwood also pointed out the drop in young drivers, saying: “The proportion of 17 to 20-year-olds with a full driving licence dropped from 35% in 2019 to 29% in 2023. This matters because 1 in 6 jobs requires a driving licence. The top occupations for young drivers include roles critical to our public services and economic growth: healthcare workers, construction trades and transport workers.
“Learner drivers should be able to take a test when they are ready to pass. Yet thousands have had to wait many months for a test, with some being exploited by businesses taking advantage of long waiting times or having to travel hundreds of miles in the process.”
Nonetheless, she cautioned: “These measures are practical, targeted and designed to address the issues facing the driving test system. But I have to be clear: there is no quick fix to the current situation. It will take time for us to tackle the root causes of this issue, fix the broken system this government inherited and build a robust system for the future.”
Over two million tests were delivered by the DVSA between April 2023 and March 2024, and a further 500,000 tests are booked for the ensuing 24 weeks.
Yet, the agency maintains that action is “undeniable” with changes looming in key areas. Here are the main adjustments and proposals for 2025:.
Cancellations
Revisions to how a test can be cancelled were disclosed by the DVSA. The forthcoming protocol will require individuals to provide at least 10 days’ notice to cancel their test without forfeiting fees, a departure from the current three-day period.
This policy change is set to reduce last-minute disruptions, as well as allow for the reassignment of vacated slots to candidates prepared to sit the test.
Booking tests
The DVSA has pledged to “review and improve” the regulations surrounding test bookings, including implementing measures to prohibit the resale of driving test appointments. Their aim is to guarantee fairer access to test slots and curb the “profiteering that disadvantages learners”.
Additionally, they are fortifying the terms and conditions for driving training providers handling test reservations. The objective is to enhance the booking system’s efficiency, making it more difficult for those looking to take advantage of learner drivers to obtain test dates.
Furthermore, the Agency is exploring options to permit learner drivers to schedule their tests further in advance than the existing 24-week limit. This would offer learners greater assurance while planning for their test and alleviate the pressure of hunting for available spots.
Rebooking future tests
The DVSA has said it will consult on introducing longer waiting times to rebook a test for candidates who fail by:
- making multiple serious or dangerous faults
- abusing driving examiners
- failing to attend their test
It will consider a penalty fee for those who fail to attend. It said: “This will discourage bad behaviour and ensure that examiners’ time is respected.”
Ready to pass?
The DVSA will expand the successful Ready to Pass? campaign to help learners throughout the whole process of learning to drive. This will increase the likelihood of learners passing their test the first time, reducing overall demand on the system.
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