Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will provide an update on the progress of implementing the DVSA’s seven-point plan aimed at reducing driving test waiting times.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work on implementing its 7-point plan to reduce waiting times and to encourage learner drivers to only book their driving test when they are ready.

DVSA’s progress so far against the measures has seen:

• 154 new driving examiners complete their training and carrying out driving tests

• the introduction of tougher terms and conditions for driving instructors who can book tests for their pupils (6 January).

• a call for evidence concluded on booking driving tests, which received almost 27,000 responses. DVSA expects to launch the consultation in spring 2025.

• on 8 April 2025 DVSA implemented changes to the short notice cancellation period, increasing the notice required from 3 to 10 days for learner drivers to cancel their driving test and receive a refund.

On the 23 April the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further action to help reduce driving test waiting times.

Further information on these actions and progress on the 7-point plan can be found on GOV.UK.