The DVSA will introduce seven new measures to tackle long wait times for driving tests (Image: Getty)
The has announced plans to help learners are currently facing to
Largely caused by the pandemic and a reduction in the number of examiners, new motorists currently have to book their to half a year in advance in some parts of the country.
But among the changes just announced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, drivers are still being urged to claim a £62 refund where possible and make sure they don’t end up out of pocket for circumstances beyond their control.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, highlighted that the current wait times and measures learners are taking to cut them are unacceptable.
She explained: ” is a life changing opportunity for millions – but sky-high waiting times for tests in recent years have denied that opportunity to too many people.
“No one should have to wait six months when they’re ready to pass, to take a driving test or be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can’t afford to wait.”
:
The organisation noted that it is taking on 450 more examiners, which will begin testing in 2025 (Image: Getty)
To help tackle the long wait times, the DVSA has outlined a seven-point plan, including recruiting and training a further 450 more examiners.
The organisation highlighted that jobs for driving test examiners were advertised on the Civil Service’s website between June and October 2024 and is continuing to seek employees.
These examiners will undergo training and are set to begin driving tests over the first few months of 2025.
Don’t miss… [REPORT]
New measures are also set to be introduced to discourage learners from booking before they are ready (Image: Getty)
Another measure set to be introduced in the DVSA’s plans to cut waiting times is by changing the rules surrounding how learners can book their examination.
This will include analysing evidence to find shortcomings in the current booking system and introducing improved rules, changing the law wherever necessary.
One rule that could be introduced in the overhaul is making motorists who initially fail their test wait longer, which will help to cut demand whilst incentivising motorists to learn everything needed before they take their test.
Similarly, the DVSA also noted that they will do more to make sure that learner drivers are ready to take their test in a bid to reduce wasted slots.
According to the organisation, 23 percent of learner drivers are currently taking their driving test within a month of taking their first lesson, despite the average motorist needing between 40 and 45 hours of practice to succeed.
In addition to adding to the shortage of test slots, refraining from taking a driving test until they are ready can also help them save at least £62, the typical cost of another examination.
On is website, the DVSA says: “DVSA will increase the amount of notice people need to give to change or cancel their car driving test without losing their fee to 10 clear working days.
It’s currently set at 3 clear working days. DVSA consulted on proposals to increase this in 2022.This change will:
- encourage people to change or cancel their test sooner if they’re not ready
- give more chance for appointments to be used by someone else
DVSA is working to bring in this change from spring 2025. The exact date has not yet been confirmed. DVSA will let learner drivers and driving instructors know when the date is confirmed.
Learner drivers will still be able to apply for a refund in cases such as illness or bereavement.”