Labour Party Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced plans to tackle the backlog of driving tests, to boost numbers by 10,000 a month.
Previously, drivers had to give three full working days of notice to avoid losing money, but as of April 8, they must now inform the DVSA 10 full working days before the test.
In 2024, around 60,000 driving tests were wasted because people didn’t arrive for their appointments.
Yesterday, Future of Roads Minister @LilianGreenwood and our Chief Executive toured DVSA’s Avonmouth testing facility. ⭐
They got first-hand experience on how our assessors work tirelessly to check vehicles, keeping Britain’s roads safer. 👏#RoadSafety #DVSA #Avonmouth pic.twitter.com/4yzjTw57cF
— Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) April 25, 2025
The DVSA stated that it would recruit and train 450 driving examiners across Great Britain to conduct more tests.
Speaking to GB News, Shane Wilkinson, senior content editor at Auto Express, has praised the move.
He added: “Once learners finally get that long-awaited test date, they need to make sure they are prepared to turn that coveted slot into a full licence. The first thing to do is make sure you know exactly what is going to happen. If you know the test, you can beat the nerves.”
Mr Wilkinson continued, saying: “Driving is an ongoing learning experience and lessons do not have to stop once you’ve passed your test. Most instructors will be happy to help you develop your skills in areas such as motorways, night driving, or driving in poor weather conditions.
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“Pass Plus is a popular choice and can possibly reduce the cost of your insurance. Telematics insurance, where the insurance company monitors how you drive with a ‘black box’ fitted to your car, is another option to consider.”
Ms Alexander revealed plans to double training capacity so more driving examiners would be available.
She said she was also asking those in other DVSA roles who are qualified, but no longer examine, to temporarily “return to the frontline”.
A record 1.95 million tests were booked last year, but the government would now consult on changes to the test booking system, according to Alexander