The DVSA has shared its latest attempt to tackle long driving test waiting times through a 7-point plan. But if you’re a working ADI or PDI, you might be wondering:

“What does this actually change — and how much of this is now on us?”

Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the announcement and what it might mean for your day-to-day work.

What’s Happened?

The DVSA is under pressure from the government and the public to bring down unacceptably long waiting times for practical driving tests — an issue that’s been dragging on since the pandemic.

Rather than admit total failure so far, this plan spreads responsibility across the sector. And yes — instructors are once again in the firing line for test readiness and no-shows.

What do you need to know

1. Recruit more examiners
Still recruiting — but slowly. This isn’t new, and recruiting does not equal backsides on seats or retention of staff if they qualify. The goal is 450 – but is that a net or gross figure?

2. Push learners to be ‘test-ready’
DVSA is leaning on ADIs to reduce “wasted” tests by ensuring their pupils are ready for the driving test. This shifts the spotlight onto us — without much support or new guidance. The recommendation is that you make use of the Ready to Pass campaign.

3. Offer more test slots (evenings/weekends)
Sounds good, but availability varies hugely by area. Don’t expect miracles if you’re in a high-demand region.

4. Stricter cancellation rules (full breakdown in our next article)
Learners now need to give 10 full working days’ notice to change a test — or lose the fee. This gives the DVSA more notice to reuse slots and allocate resources, but reduces flexibility for instructors and pupils.

5. Track no-shows and late cancellations
This data might be used to flag patterns in pupil and instructor behaviour — though nothing is confirmed. Transparency on how this will be used is lacking.

6. Improve communication with learners
DVSA promises better messaging about test readiness, working closely with their Ready to Pass campaign.

Instructor Reality Check

Let’s be honest — most of these aren’t new ideas, and many instructors will rightly feel this puts more responsibility on them without new resources or support.

You’re expected to:

• Accurately assess test readiness (already part of your job, now under the microscope)
• Avoid cancellations and no-shows
• Help the DVSA reduce the pressure they created

Meanwhile, there’s still no timeline for real improvements in examiner numbers or regional test availability.

What You Can Do (Without Losing Your Mind)

• Be open with learners: talk about readiness early and often.
• Encourage realistic booking — not “grab whatever date you can”.
• Explain the 10-day cancellation rule clearly (we’ll cover this next).
• Use this as an opportunity to set clearer expectations with clients.
• Maintain a focus on real-life driving skills and not the driving test.

Final Word

The DVSA wants to share the burden — but instructors are already carrying a heavy load. This plan doesn’t solve the core issues fast, but it does show where the DVSA’s priorities are: optics, data, and pushing responsibility downward.

Stay informed, stay professional — and protect your time and reputation while the system catches up.