An audit report has revealed that government efforts to reduce driving test waiting times have fallen far short, with the target of a seven-week wait now not expected until November 2027. The National Audit Office found that only a net 83 additional examiners have been hired despite 19 recruitment campaigns since 2021, leaving the average wait for a practical test at 22 weeks across Great Britain.
Former examiner James Woodman, who left the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in June 2023, cited low pay as a key reason for quitting. Despite enjoying the role, he said he moved on because of the money, noting that his salary as an executive officer maxed out at just over £30,000. He also pointed to the rise in driving instructor earnings after Covid, which he believes has reduced the pool of potential examiners.
Another former examiner, Mark Sykes, who switched back to being a driving instructor, highlighted issues with the booking system, describing it as “dodgy” and allowing bots to buy up tests and sell them at inflated prices. He also raised concerns about poor wages, which he had brought up with senior DVSA figures, including the recently departed chief executive.
Despite the challenges, both Woodman and Sykes spoke positively about the impact they could have on learners’ lives. Woodman recalled the satisfaction of telling people they had passed, while Sykes fondly remembered an 82-year-old woman named Jean who finally passed after multiple attempts. However, the low pay and stressful conditions have led to an exodus that the DVSA has struggled to reverse.
