COVID-19 - DVSA - Increasing the Number of Car Driving Tests

The suspension of testing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to exceptionally high demand for driving tests.

Test Availability

The measures the DVSA have put in place to protect their 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.

Recruiting more Examiners

From 10 February the 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.

DVSA Plan to Reduce Waiting Times

The recruitment of new examiners is one of the actions the DVSA will take to reduce the backlog caused by the pandemic.

The DVSA will also consult and work with the driver and rider training associations on proposed plans to reduce waiting times, they will then share their plan as soon as they can.

How to Reduce 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 services back to normal.

The DVSA 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 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, so learners should take their test only when they are confident they can pass.

More Information

Check GOV.UK for the latest about:

• theory tests

• driving tests

• instructor guidance