The UK’s Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) has fallen significantly short of its recruitment goals for driving instructors, hiring only 83 out of a targeted 400 over the past four years. According to the National Audit Office (NAO), the agency is projected to miss its waiting time targets for learner drivers by an additional two years, with current wait times ballooning from five weeks in early 2020 to 22 weeks as of September 2023.
The NAO criticized the DVSA for not addressing “underlying issues” within its test booking system, which has been plagued by problems, including abuse from bots that disrupt the booking process. The agency’s outdated system has made it difficult to combat these issues, leading to a fivefold increase in web traffic and a backlog that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey indicated that approximately one-third of learner drivers resorted to third-party websites for test bookings, often paying exorbitant fees that can reach up to £500.
Moreover, the DVSA is grappling with difficulties in retaining examiners. Reports of assaults against examiners reached 426 in the past year, contributing to a significant turnover, with 230 examiners leaving the agency, nearly double the civil service average.
The Department for Transport acknowledged challenges within the DVSA and announced measures to mitigate delays, including the deployment of 36 new examiners to high-demand centers and implementing stricter booking policies. A new £181 million booking system is scheduled for rollout between 2026 and 2030, intended to improve efficiency and reduce the impact of bots. However, the NAO has expressed skepticism about the immediate effectiveness of these initiatives.
Why this story matters:
- The long wait times for driving tests impact learner drivers and their ability to obtain licenses.
Key takeaway:
- The DVSA’s failure to meet recruitment and operational goals reflects systemic management issues.
Opposing viewpoint:
- The Department for Transport maintains that it is actively taking steps to address the backlog and improve the booking system.
