|
The suspension of testing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to exceptionally high demand for driving tests.
The measures we put in place to protect our customers and staff from COVID-19 have limited the number of available tests.
This includes reducing the number of tests our examiners carry out per day.
To help increase the number of available tests, DVSA is already:
- offering more tests outside of normal working hours, including weekend and bank holidays.
- ensuring all DVSA staff who are qualified to perform driving tests are doing so, such as senior managers and policy staff.
But this alone will not reduce the backlog as quickly as we want.
Today (Wednesday 10 February) DVSA is launching a national recruitment campaign for new driving examiners.
There are posts based in England, Scotland and Wales.
The closing date for applications is Monday 1 March 2021 at midnight.
Find out more about the role and how to apply on civil service jobs.
The recruitment of new examiners is one of the actions DVSA will take to reduce the backlog caused by the pandemic.
We will also consult and work with the driver and rider training associations on our proposed plan to reduce waiting times. We will then share our plan with you as soon as we can, as we’d like your thoughts and feedback on our proposals. This will also be an opportunity for you to share any of your ideas with us.
As professional driver and rider trainers you play a vital role and your views are really important to us.
We also need support from you, your pupils and our examiners to help us reduce driving test waiting times.
Driving tests will continue to be in high demand as a result of the pandemic and the suspension of testing. It will take time to get our services back to normal. We thank you and your pupils for your understanding, support and patience.
We have re-arranged tests for all candidates who have been affected by the current restrictions to the first available date. If the new time and date is not suitable, you can change the test time and date at: https://www.gov.uk/change-driving-test
It is vital that your pupils are test-ready when rearranging their tests, as tests could be at short notice.
On average, fewer than 50% of learners pass their driving test and there could be long waiting times for a retest – your pupils should take their test only when they are confident they can pass.
Check GOV.UK for the latest about:
|
