Overview

• The DVSA missed its seven-week target for practical driving tests, recording an average wait of 21.9 weeks as of March 31, 2025
• The agency has expanded staffing by training 241 new examiners and putting 139 more through training toward its 450-examiner recruitment goal
• Reforms to the test booking system have been fast-tracked to tackle bot and broker exploitation with extra test slots added each month
• Over 100 mental health first aiders have been trained under a new DVSA strategy to support examiners facing pressure from frustrated learner drivers
• Prolonged six-month waits have prompted MPs and campaigners to call for fee refunds, private-sector outsourcing with stronger accountability from DVSA leadership