A brand new survey by the Driving Instructors Affiliation (DIA) reveals widespread dissatisfaction amongst driving instructors with the DVSA’s present efforts to scale back check ready occasions 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 deal with testing delays and reserving equity. The outcomes paint a stark image, with common check ready occasions 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” total. Almost 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 check reserving system had been additionally rated “Poor”, with virtually half (47%) of instructors giving the bottom ranking. ADIs expressed deep frustration over the persistent affect of bots and business 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 e-book when prepared, noting that the lengthy waits typically power early bookings no matter readiness.
Delays After Failing a Check Deemed Dangerous: The plan to increase the time between failed checks was probably 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 General Satisfaction: When requested to fee the DVSA’s total dealing with of the check backlog, a staggering 71% of instructors chosen “Very Poor”, with just one.8% giving a “Good” or “Glorious” 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 ideas to enhance the scenario. These included:
- Blocking a number of check bookings by third events
- Proscribing pupils to 1 check reserving at a time
- Permitting instructors restricted administration of check 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 of e-book checks on behalf of their pupils – a measure some really feel might guarantee extra acceptable check readiness and restrict system abuse.
A System Beneath Pressure
The report lays naked the continued struggles confronted by ADIs and their pupils, as efforts to scale back ready occasions look like falling quick. Whereas the intent behind the DVSA’s 7-Level Plan is acknowledged, many trainers imagine the present method lacks urgency, readability, and affect.
As one member commented: “The check reserving fiasco is quickly turning into as huge a scandal because the Publish Workplace was – not financially, however when it comes to organisational incompetence.”
The DIA continues to push for extra clear, truthful, 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
