Overview
- Thirty-six Defence Driving Examiners, civilian MoD staff, will conduct public tests one day a week for 12 months in a £100,000 arrangement expected to add up to 6,500 slots at high-demand centres.
- New booking rules will allow only learners to book tests, cap rescheduling at two changes, and restrict moves to nearby centres to curb bot-driven reselling.
- The reforms require legislation and IT changes, with implementation expected in spring 2026.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told MPs the summer 2026 goal of seven-week waits will not be met, with average waits currently about 21.8 weeks.
- DVSA staffing remains tight despite 316 recruits and a net gain of about 40 examiners, prompting a £5,000 retention payment next year and a leadership change as CEO Loveday Ryder steps down.