Committee publication · Correspondence · 4 June 2025 · HC 437
Letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport relating to driving tests waiting times, dated 20 May 2025
From: Transport Committee
Inquiry: Driving tests availability
Summary
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport updates the Transport Committee Chair on driving test waiting times and DVSA progress. Average car test waiting time reached 22.3 weeks in April 2025. DVSA has recruited 165 driving examiners towards a 450-target, delivered 1.95m tests in 2024/25, and is implementing four additional measures: reintroducing an examiner incentive scheme, doubling trainer numbers, requesting volunteer examiners, and fast-tracking booking rule changes.
Key findings
- Average national car driving test waiting time during April 2025 was 22.3 weeks, continuing to rise due to sustained high demand and seasonal peaks
- DVSA recruited 165 driving examiners into post and trained, with 49 currently in training, 116 booked for future courses, and 68 awaiting course start dates towards the 450-examiner target
- DVSA delivered 1.95m car driving tests in 2024/25, meeting its business plan target and representing near-record numbers compared to pre-pandemic years
- Four additional mitigation measures directed by Secretary of State: reintroducing Additional Testing Allowance (ATA) incentive scheme from 1 June 2025, doubling permanent trainers by July 2025, requesting volunteers from qualified staff to return to testing, and fast-tracking consultation on booking rule improvements
- New enforcement actions include closing 270 driving instructor business accounts, making 120 suspensions, and issuing 44 warnings since tougher terms and conditions came into force on 6 January 2025
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Lilian Greenwood MP, Ruth Cadbury MP, Heidi Alexander MP, DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)
Notable line
“DVSA has always been clear there are no quick fixes to the current high waiting times.”
Key Quotes
“The average national car waiting time during April 2025 was 22.3 weeks.”
“DVSA provided just over 1.95m car driving tests in 2024/25, meeting its 1.95m business plan target.”
“Since that date, the agency has recruited and trained 165 DEs who are now in post and delivering driving tests.”
“Driving out abuse of the system will make more tests available for those who need them, when they need them.”
“I acknowledge your intention to keep a watching brief on this issue and will provide an update on DVSA's progress every two months, in line with your request.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗