In an unprecedented move to tackle the chronic driving test backlog, the UK government is calling in military examiners to help get more learners on the road. The initiative, announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, will see defence personnel conducting tests for the public.
What the New Measures Involve
The plan will mobilise 36 Defence Driving Examiners (DDEs), who are civilian staff from the Ministry of Defence. These examiners, who typically test service personnel on everything from cars to armoured carriers, will dedicate one day a week for a year to conduct civilian tests.
This is expected to make up to 6,500 more tests available over the next twelve months, specifically in locations suffering from the highest demand. The MoD will charge the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) £100,000 for this service.
Cracking Down on Test Manipulation
Alongside the military assistance, the government has unveiled a series of new rules designed to create a fairer system for learner drivers. A key change restricts the number of times a learner can amend their test booking.
Learners will now only be able to make up to two changes—such as moving the date, swapping times, or changing the location—before their booking is cancelled and they must start the process again.
Further measures include limiting the test centres a learner can book to those near their original choice and, crucially, stipulating that only the learner drivers themselves can book a test, preventing instructors from doing it on their behalf. This is a direct attempt to stop third-party companies from bulk-booking and reselling tests at massively inflated prices.
The Scale of the Problem
The drastic action comes as the government's target to reduce the average waiting time to seven weeks by summer 2026 is off track. Official figures reveal that at the end of June, the average wait had ballooned to 21.8 weeks.
Furthermore, DVSA data shows that a staggering 642,000 learner drivers in Britain were holding a future test booking as of the end of October, highlighting the immense pressure on the system.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated: "We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-Plates, who have been sadly forced to endure record waiting times for their tests. Every learner should have an equal and fair opportunity to take a test."
She added that these "decisive" new measures are intended to "deliver thousands of extra tests over the next year, helping learners get on the road sooner."
Armed Forces minister Al Carns commented on the collaboration, saying: "The Armed Forces and civilians working within the Ministry of Defence have always been ready to step up when the country needs them... By supporting civilian testing, they're helping to get more learners on the road, keep Britain moving and deliver for the public."
