A brand new survey by the Driving Instructors Affiliation (DIA) reveals widespread dissatisfaction amongst driving instructors with the DVSA’s present efforts to cut back take a look at ready instances and fight reserving system abuse.
The survey, carried out on the finish of March 2025, captured the views of over 800 Permitted Driving Instructors (ADIs), three months into the DVSA’s 7-Level Plan to handle testing delays and reserving equity. The outcomes paint a stark image, with common take a look at ready instances nonetheless hovering at a worrying 21.3 weeks, and nearly all of instructors unconvinced by the measures in place.
Key Findings
Recruitment of Examiners Falls Flat: Regardless of a pledge to recruit 450 further examiners, the initiative was rated “Poor” general. Practically 39% of respondents rated it “Very Poor”, citing scepticism about recruitment efforts and issues over examiner retention.
Reserving System Nonetheless Tormented by Abuse: The DVSA’s makes an attempt to enhance the take a look at reserving system had been additionally rated “Poor”, with nearly half (47%) of instructors giving the bottom ranking. ADIs expressed deep frustration over the persistent affect of bots and industrial resellers.
Learners Reserving Too Early: Over half of instructors (52.6%) gave a “Very Poor” ranking to the DVSA’s marketing campaign encouraging learners to solely guide when prepared, noting that the lengthy waits usually power early bookings no matter readiness.
Delays After Failing a Take a look at Deemed Dangerous: The plan to increase the time between failed checks was essentially the most criticised measure, with a putting 60.4% ranking it “Very Poor”. Many instructors highlighted the elevated strain and anxiousness this creates for pupils.
Poor Total Satisfaction: When requested to fee the DVSA’s general dealing with of the take a look at backlog, a staggering 71% of instructors chosen “Very Poor”, with just one.8% giving a “Good” or “Wonderful” ranking mixed.
One respondent summarised the prevailing temper: “The DVSA merely don’t perceive the idea of customer support.”
What Instructors Need
Instructors supplied a wealth of options to enhance the state of affairs. These included:
- Blocking a number of take a look at bookings by third events
- Limiting pupils to at least one take a look at reserving at a time
- Permitting instructors restricted administration of take a look at slots
- Returning certified warrant card holders to frontline testing roles
- Deploying floating examiners to cowl short-notice cancellations
There was additionally notable help (49.6%) for the concept solely ADIs ought to be capable to guide checks on behalf of their pupils – a measure some really feel may guarantee extra acceptable take a look at readiness and restrict system abuse.
A System Beneath Pressure
The report lays naked the continuing struggles confronted by ADIs and their pupils, as efforts to cut back ready instances seem like falling brief. Whereas the intent behind the DVSA’s 7-Level Plan is acknowledged, many trainers consider the present strategy lacks urgency, readability, and affect.
As one member commented: “The take a look at reserving fiasco is quickly turning into as large a scandal because the Submit Workplace was – not financially, however when it comes to organisational incompetence.”
The DIA continues to push for extra clear, honest, and efficient measures to revive confidence within the system and help each instructors and learners throughout this vital time.
You possibly can watch an replace from DIA’s CEO, Carly Brookfield, on the hyperlink right here
