DVSA driving licence change could help thousands of Brits
Labour Party Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced plans to tackle the backlog of driving tests, to boost numbers by 10,000 a month.
Previously, drivers had to give three full working days of notice to avoid losing money, but as of April 8, they must now inform the DVSA 10 full working days before the test.
In 2024, around 60,000 driving tests were wasted because people didn't arrive for their appointments.
Yesterday, Future of Roads Minister @LilianGreenwood and our Chief Executive toured DVSA's Avonmouth testing facility. ⭐
They got first-hand experience on how our assessors work tirelessly to check vehicles, keeping Britain's roads safer. 👏#RoadSafety #DVSA #Avonmouth pic.twitter.com/4yzjTw57cF — Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) April 25, 2025
The DVSA stated that it would recruit and train 450 driving examiners across Great Britain to conduct more tests.
Speaking to GB News, Shane Wilkinson, senior content editor at Auto Express, has praised the move.
He added: "Once learners finally get that long-awaited test date, they need to make sure they are prepared to turn that coveted slot into a full licence. The first thing to do is make sure you know exactly what is going to happen. If you know the test, you can beat the nerves."
Mr Wilkinson continued, saying: "Driving is an ongoing learning experience and lessons do not have to stop once you've passed your test. Most instructors will be happy to help you develop your skills in areas such as motorways, night driving, or driving in poor weather conditions.
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"Pass Plus is a popular choice and can possibly reduce the cost of your insurance. Telematics insurance, where the insurance company monitors how you drive with a 'black box' fitted to your car, is another option to consider."
Ms Alexander revealed plans to double training capacity so more driving examiners would be available.
She said she was also asking those in other DVSA roles who are qualified, but no longer examine, to temporarily "return to the frontline".
A record 1.95 million tests were booked last year, but the government would now consult on changes to the test booking system, according to Alexander
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BBC News
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- BBC News
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The Guardian
7 hours ago
- The Guardian
Will the North Sea oil and gas industry be Labour's next U-turn?
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He voted Reform in the last general election and said he could not name a single person who would vote for Labour. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'Aberdeen is being bled dry,' the rig worker added. 'The hypocrisy of a government which is willing to import and burn fossil fuels for energy generation but is unwilling to support its homegrown hydrocarbon industry, all to catch the newspapers headlines for political point scoring, is astounding.' Mel Evans, a climate team leader at Greenpeace UK, said the switch from oil and gas to renewables 'must bring workers and communities along' and create jobs in green manufacturing. Unions and climate campaigners are demanding an emergency funding package of £1.9bn a year to help with the transition be included in Rachel Reeves's spending review on Wednesday. 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The Guardian
7 hours ago
- The Guardian
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