Driving test backlog finally addressed but will it be enough? 

Last year we discussed the scandalous situation in Bristol regarding the backlog of driving tests and the waits students and instructors were having to endure. 

In welcome news, the government has finally listened to those lobbying for support and change. This is something to be celebrated although the cynical part of me can’t help wondering if this move relates to impending elections. 

Last year, we said the backlog was down to the closure of three test centres in Bristol: a terrible situation worsened by the pandemic. Instructors and students railed against the unfairness and lack of action by the DVSA who remained unmoved despite desperation from learners and their instructors. While there is still no news on new test centres, measures are being taken nationally to free up test slots. 

Results of the consultation on changes to driving test bookings and notice periods

On March 30th, Baroness Vere of Norbiton the Road Safety Minister issued the results of a consultation in efforts to reduce the wait time for tests for learner drivers. The consultation took place from January to April last year with nearly 21,000 respondents. Learner drivers made up the bulk of respondents with 70.4%, and 14% were ADIs (Accredited Driving Instructors) or driving schools; experienced drivers represented 8.9% of those who responded.

Following public pressure and calls from driving instructors for measures to reduce wait times for tests (among other issues), the DVSA finally took their foot off the brake and pressed into action.

Baroness Vere claims the measures proposed are for several reasons. She maintains how safe driving is ‘a lifetime skill and something that improves with experience,’ as experienced drivers will confirm. With practice, you become better at judging situations on the road, predicting behaviour of other drivers, understanding limitations of weather conditions, and negotiating the state of the roads. In Bristol, our roads are a disgrace, but that is an issue for another post.

Further, it is argued that increasing times after failing tests would give learners the chance to undertake more instruction, improve their skills, and help them gain greater road experience. In turn, this would lead to better prepared newly qualified drivers and safer roads.

Why now? you may ask. Well, with the pandemic and all the restrictions this brought, tests and lessons were cancelled for months. An already stressed system was incapacitated by Covid and examiners remained cautious about returning to work - especially before most had been offered the vaccine. 

Instructors disclosed how some learners went against advice and booked tests before they were ready, causing more delays in the system. The pass rate for the British driving test is only 50% and has remained stagnant for a long time. Low pass rates are due, in part, to how challenging the test is in this country, and there are some people who put in for their tests before they are ready. All of which leads to those who are test-ready being unable to book tests and then languishing while their skills go unchecked.

Increase the wait time before booking a test after failing from 10 days to 28 days

The first proposal is to increase the wait time before allowing booking of another test after failing one from 10 to 28 days. 30.4% of respondents agreed that this would encourage those rebooking to ensure they were ready before attempting the test for a second time. Those who opposed this most vehemently were learner drivers and newly qualified drivers who considered this change in law to be ‘unfair’.

However, a third of those polled agreed that they would rebook with more caution to ensure they were ready thereby freeing up slots. 

Change cancellations from three days to ten or more

Another proposal by the DVSA is to change the number of days to cancel a test from 3 working days to 10 or more. When tests are cancelled at late notice, it can be impossible for those slots to be filled so they are wasted. With more time to cancel, an instructor can have an honest discussion with their student to assess if they are at test standard or if they need more time. This will ensure learners waste less money from tests they cancel or take but with little hope of passing. 

48.5% agreed that this will help alleviate wait times for those ready to take tests as with a two-week window they can take catch up lessons to iron out any issues with parking, emerging from a side onto a main road or roundabouts for example.

The DVSA believe more than 115,000 tests could be freed up because of this measure. Between April and December 2021, 36,013 tests were cancelled within 3 days of a test; 42,193 were cancelled within 10 days; and over 63,000 were cancelled with 11 days or more before a test. These figures, and the result of the consultation have helped the DVSA, and transport minister conclude these changes are necessary and need to happen now. 

Collect better data about how well instructors prepare learner drivers

Legislation will be put in place making it mandatory for instructors to display their ADI or driving instructor certificate when they bring someone for their test. This will ensure that all learners who arrive with their instructor for the test are ready and not taking it as an opportunity to ‘have a go’ even if they’re not. Instructors would be dissuaded from putting forward students less confident for tests as they could be identified as an instructor who doesn’t prepare their students for tests. In turn, these instructors are also more likely to be selected for their standards check. 

54.2% of ADIs responded positively to this proposal, and agreed this would ensure instructors are treated consistently. 

Give students better information about driving instructors

This proposal was to ask learner drivers and their families what information they would like when seeking an instructor. Information would include how learners perform based on their instructor, what was a driving instructor’s pass rate, how many minor and serious faults occur on the test, and in how many tests an examiner had to take the wheel.

70.1% said they would like information about an instructor’s pass rate when choosing an instructor. A number of ADIs specialise in teaching those with learning barriers which may skew their pass rate. Therefore, displaying such simple data without context could be misleading which is a concern. 

An overall performance band is another suggestion that would incorporate pass rate, and other factors to decide on an overall level. 64.8% felt this would be useful in deciding the performance level of an instructor. Although, some instructors who have an excellent reputation due to their empathy and patience may inherit students from less competent instructors which could again affect their ‘band’. This is not a reflection on the instructor, but the potential damage done by a previous instructor. 

What additional information do learners want?

Many agreed that in addition to pass rate, testimonials from former students would help them choose an instructor. Knowing how well an instructor supported neurodiverse learners was also seen as beneficial by many. 

Update when and how to check someone’s eyesight at the start of the driving test

At the moment, tests are restricted by daylight and weather conditions; eye tests must be conducted in clear and bright conditions. 41.8% of respondents agreed that relaxing restrictions on daylight for tests as well as using iPads to read numberplates when necessary was a welcome change. 

Replace paper pass certificates with digital certificates

According to the DVSA, 2 million pieces of paper each year are used to produce paper pass certificates for the theory test and the practical driving test. Replacing hard copies with a digital version would be more efficient, better for the planet and take less time. It seems respondents agreed with nearly two thirds backing this proposal. 

All proposals related to the booking system are due to be phased in during summer 2023 although exact dates have yet to be released. It is hoped these measures will alleviate the long waits although there are no new test centres proposed nor is anything being done now to tackle the use of bots to book tests and then resell these to individuals and driving schools for exorbitant fees. 

What do you think of these measures? Will they be enough? Let us know what you think.

Sophie Dracott