DVSA PLANS TO REDUCE DRIVING TEST WAITING TIMES

 

DVSA sets out NEW plan to reduce Driving Test Waiting Times

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has today (Wednesday 18 December 2024) set out a 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times, and get new drivers on road.

Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, said:

Passing your driving test is a life changing opportunity for millions – but sky-high waiting times for tests in recent years have denied that opportunity to too many people.

No one should have to wait six months when they’re ready to pass, travel to the other side of the country to take a driving test or be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can’t afford to wait.

The scale of the backlog we have inherited is huge, but today’s measures are a crucial step to tackle the long driving test wait times, protect learner drivers from being exploited, and support more people to hit the road.

1. Recruit and train 450 Driving Examiners

DVSA will recruit and train 450 driving examiners across Great Britain.

2. Review and improve the Rules for Booking Driving Tests

DVSA will review and improve the driving test booking system to make sure that learner drivers can book their driving test easily and efficiently.

To do this, DVSA will follow these steps:

1.   Launch a call for evidence about the current rules and processes, which DVSA has done today (18 December 2024).

 

2.   Analyse the evidence and develop proposals to improve the rules and booking system.

 

3.   Run a consultation on the proposed improved rules.

 

4.   Introduce the improved rules - changing the law if necessary.

This work will take time to complete, and it will take some time for learner drivers and driving instructors to see improvements. But it will help to make the system fairer for learners and better protect them from being exploited.

3. Introduce tougher terms and conditions for the service driving instructors use to book and Manage Car Driving Tests for their Pupils

These new terms and conditions will come into force on 6 January 2025.

They set out that only driving instructors or businesses that employ driving instructors can use the service to book car driving tests.

The new terms and conditions make it clear that driving instructors and businesses must not book driving tests on behalf of learner drivers they are not teaching.

They also stop driving instructors and businesses from using a learner driver’s details to book a driving test that they have no intention of that particular learner driver using. This is sometimes done to create a placeholder so the test can be swapped to another learner driver later.

If anyone breaks the terms and conditions, DVSA can:

·         issue them with a warning notice

·         suspend their account

·         close their account

4. Consult on new proposals to increase the amount of time people have to wait to book another test in certain situations

DVSA will run a consultation on new proposals to increase the amount of time people have to wait to book another test if they either:

·         make multiple serious or dangerous faults during their driving test

·         physically or verbally assault their driving examiner

·         fail to attend their driving test without telling DVSA - and consider charging them a penalty

Learner drivers currently have to wait 10 working days before being able to book another test. The consultation, which will launch at a later date, will set out the full details of the potential options.

5. Increase the amount of notice you need to give to change or Cancel a Car Driving Test without losing the fee

DVSA will increase the amount of notice people need to give to change or cancel their car driving test without losing their fee to 10 clear working days.

It’s currently set at 3 clear working days. DVSA consulted on proposals to increase this in 2022.  

This change will:

·         encourage people to change or cancel their test sooner if they’re not ready

·         give more chance for appointments to be used by someone else

DVSA is working to bring in this change from spring 2025. The exact date has not yet been confirmed. DVSA will let learner drivers and driving instructors know when the date is confirmed.

Learner drivers will still be able to apply for a refund in cases such as illness or bereavement.

DVSA will continue to pay out-of-pocket expenses for any car driving tests it cancels with fewer than 3 clear working days’ notice while it conducts a review of its out-of-pocket expenses process.

6. Explore changing the current 24-week limit on how far ahead car driving testscan be booked

DVSA will explore ways of changing how far ahead car driving tests can be booked. This is currently set at 24 weeks.

Any changes DVSA makes will be made so it can better understand how many people want to take a driving test at each test centre.

7. Encourage learner drivers to be better prepared for their driving test through the ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign

DVSA will continue to run its ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign, which 95% of users rate as useful, to encourage learner drivers to take the right action to prepare for their driving test.

Research from DVSA shows that about 23% of learner drivers take their first attempt at the driving test within one month of starting driving lessons.

The campaign aims to change this behaviour, and focuses on helping learner drivers to:

·         understand what skills they need to have mastered

·         prepare for their test by giving tips on managing nerves

·         take a realistic mock driving test

·         understand what will happen during their driving test

It also encourages people who are not ready to pass to move their test back.

Reducing waiting times

The actions being taken will help DVSA to provide 1.95 million car driving tests between April 2024 and March 2025 and to reduce the waiting time to 7 weeks by December 2025.

BEATING DRIVING ANXIETY ON YOUR DRIVING TEST

Beating Anxiety on Your Driving Test

1. Put any thoughts of drinking alcohol or taking drugs – at least the night before your driving test – out of your mind.

2. Have some food and stay well hydrated. There’s nothing worse than having the jitters before and during your test and focusing on a growling stomach will disturb your concentration.

3. Take an hour long driving lesson with your Driving Instructor before your test. This’ll give you the chance to have a last-minute practice, brush up on manoeuvres and warm up for your Driving Test.

4. It’s perfectly acceptable to let the examiner know if you have any additional support needs. Examiners give instructions in good time but if you don't understand ask them to repeat.

5. During your test, make safety your number one priority. If you’ve been told to go left, but you are in a right only lane for example, go where the lane takes you. You might have to pull over and allow your Examiner to reroute, but what is important is that you demonstrate your ability to follow traffic rules and are always aware of your surroundings.

6. After your test, whether you pass or not, pay close attention to your examiner’s feedback. This is what will be most useful to you afterwards.

7. Finally, stay safe, trust yourself and your instructor and treat your test as a learning experience, regardless of the outcome.

MOTORISTS TO TAX VEHICLES WITHOUT LOG BOOK

Motorists to tax vehicle without log book and tax reminder letter

 

Motorists applying for a duplicate V5C (log book) can now tax their vehicle without needing to wait for their log book to arrive.

V5C - Log Book

DVLA has announced a new service update that allows motorists to tax their vehicle even if they have lost their V5C (log book) and their vehicle tax reminder letter (V11).

Previously, customers who had lost these documents would have had to wait up to 5 days for a replacement V5C to arrive, or phone DVLA’s Contact Centre to tax their vehicle. This latest update will allow customers to apply online for a new V5C and tax their vehicle at the same time.

This is the first time that DVLA has linked their online registration service with their online licensing service, allowing the customer to self-serve through the 2 digital channels in one seamless customer journey.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, said:

We are always looking for ways to improve our digital services to provide more convenience for motorists. This latest enhancement will enable customers who have misplaced or lost their V5C to get a replacement and tax their vehicle quickly and easily.

Father killed By Police, while chasing Illegal Driver

13 March 2014

    Chloe Sutton said she and her family wanted answers about how her father James Sutton died

Police pursuing a disqualified driver ran down and killed a pedestrian on Wednesday night. The officers  were searching for the a motorist, reportedly seen at the wheel of a vehicle, when their car hit James Sutton at a junction near the sea front in Hastings, East Sussex.

Mr Sutton, a 46 years old father from St Leonards, died at the scene, despite efforts to save him. His daughter Chloe said ‘ He liked to drink and I expect he probably had a drink last night, and probably did not know what was happening. At least there’s some sort of relief knowing that he did not suffer’ . An investigation was launched after the accident. The illegal driver was never found.

Witness Chris Paraskeva said 12 police vehicles went to the scene where emergency teams tried to save the man.

Mark Norman the driver of the police car had been injured slightly by broken glass and had been suspended from driving duties while the IPCC conducted its investigation.

FINE INCREASES FOR UNINSURED DRIVERS

 Fines for Driving Without Car Insurance: What Every Learner Driver in Burnley Needs to Know

Driving without car insurance isn't just risky—it's illegal in the UK. Insurance guards you against financial disaster if the unexpected happens on the road. For learner drivers in Burnley, understanding this is crucial. A simple oversight can lead to heavy fines, penalty points, or even losing your license before you've properly started. This guide breaks down the real consequences, focusing on fines and why staying insured matters, especially for those spending hours with Driving Instructors Burnley trusts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjaNA7erbS0

Legal Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in the UK

In the UK, driving without insurance is a serious offence. It means operating any motor vehicle on public roads without at least third-party coverage. This requirement applies broadly to learner drivers and fully licensed motorists alike.

The law excludes driving solely on private land, but the moment you hit public streets, insurance is mandatory. If caught uninsured, you could face a fixed penalty, penalty points, and sometimes a court summons. This isn't just minor paperwork—these penalties can seriously hamper your driving record.

For new drivers in Burnley, working with professional Driving Instructors Burnley offers ensures you're guided on legal compliance from day one. They help you avoid costly errors early.

Fixed Penalty Notices and Fine Amounts

Most drivers caught without insurance face a fixed penalty notice with a £300 fine. This serves as an immediate financial deterrent.

If the fine isn’t paid promptly or the case proceeds to court, the amount can rise significantly. Beyond money, a fine hits your wallet and your confidence, signaling the high cost of skipping insurance.

Penalty Points and Driving Ban Risks

Alongside fines, uninsured driving usually adds 6 to 8 points on your license. For learner drivers, this is a dangerous setback—it can delay passing your driving test or lead to a driving ban. Repeat offenders risk harsher consequences like license suspension.

Points translate into higher insurance premiums down the line, as insurers view you as a greater risk. Early mistakes grow into long-term financial burdens.

Court Proceedings and Larger Fines

If the offense is severe or repeated, courts may get involved. Court fines easily exceed £1,000 and can come with driving disqualifications.

New drivers face added stress and complexity from court cases. Avoiding this can save you disruption and keep your driving journey on track.

How Driving Without Insurance Affects Learner Drivers in Burnley

Learner drivers in Burnley must be especially mindful. Insurance offences can stall your path to a full license and raise costs dramatically.

Picking the right Driving Lesson Burnley providers matters. Experienced instructors not only teach driving skills but ensure you meet legal requirements every step of the way, preventing costly mistakes.

Insurance Requirements During Driving Lessons

During lessons, insurance is required but often covered by professional instructors. This means learners don’t always need separate cover if learning with a reputable school.

At Afzal Driving Lessons in Burnley, proper insurance is part of every lesson — protecting you and showing compliance with the law. This peace of mind lets you focus fully on learning.

Risks of Driving Uninsured for New Drivers

New drivers might assume learner insurance covers all scenarios or forget to check if a vehicle is insured before driving. These slips lead to fines and stress, unnecessarily complicating the learner journey.

Knowing how insurance applies during lessons and private driving is key to avoiding trouble.

Preventing Fines: How to Stay Insured and Legal

Avoiding fines means cultivating safe habits around car insurance. Regular checks, knowing your policy, and staying informed protect you both legally and financially.

Work with certified Driving Instructors Burnley trusts who prioritise legal safety alongside skill-building.

Choosing the Right Insurance Policy

Look for learner-specific policies that fit your driving needs. Temporary insurance options may suit short-term situations, but permanent learner cover is often the best route.

Insurance brokers can help find tailored policies, while direct providers may offer convenient online services.

Checking and Renewing Insurance Regularly

Cultivate simple habits like confirming insurance before driving and setting renewals reminders. Read your insurance papers so you fully understand coverage.

These steps keep you on the right side of the law without surprises.

Learning from Trusted Driving Instructors in Burnley

Partnering with reputable instructors adds layers of protection. Apart from quality teaching, you get guidance on legal must-haves. Afzal Driving Lessons in Burnley combine expert training with insurance compliance to keep learners safe and legal.

Conclusion

The fines and penalties for driving without insurance are steep—and learner drivers in Burnley especially feel the impact. From immediate fines to penalty points, court troubles, and soaring insurance costs, the risks multiply quickly.

Staying properly insured isn’t just about avoiding fines. It protects you, other road users, and supports your journey toward confident, lawful driving. For learner drivers, beginning with professional driving lessons, like those at Afzal Driving Lessons in Burnley, is the smartest step to learn skills and legal responsibility side by side.

Drive safe, stay insured, and make your path to a full license smooth and secure.

                                          www.afzalschoolofmotoring.com

Safety Concerns for Young Drivers

MOST PARENTS of young drivers worry that their children are under prepared for the roads after passing their driving test, according to a survey carried out by insurance company.

A survey was carried out by direct line insurance company, based on 1000 parents of children aged 16–26 who have a driving licence or are expected to learn to drive soon.

The survey found that :

·         23% of parents worried all the time about their child's safety on the road;

·         58% of parents believed their child was not properly equipped to drive on a motorway;

·         36% reckoned their children were under-equipped for driving in congested city centres and 39% admitted they worried for their ability to drive in the dark;

·         64% wanted a minimum learning-to-drive period;

·         50% said their children were distracted by their friends talking to them when they were driving.

Direct Line managing director  said: "Too many young people are killed or injured on Britain's roads today. We need to give young drivers the time to build their confidence and capability to become proficient and safe drivers.

"We welcome the Government's recognition that there is a safety issue involving young drivers by their announcement to publish a Green Paper on young drivers this summer.

 And we hope these measures will all help to reduce the number of car accidents involving drivers under 25s."

If you have never driven on motorway lessons, driven at night, in rain, fog or icy conditions then why not book Pass Plus course or Refresher Course. There is no test at the end of the driving course, you will get a Pass Plus certificate and you can get discount towards your car insurance.

www.afzalschoolofmotoring.com/

Driving Lessons For Learner Drivers

Driving Lessons for Learners

Driving lessons are normally for a minimum of 1 hour but the pupil can decide to take 1½, 2 hour driving lessons etc. if it suites them or wish to get to driving test standard quicker.

The Driving Lesson will begin by instructor asking what was covered in last driving lesson and how much of that student can remember . The instructor will have  planned todays lesson and a route relative to the pupils experience and will state todays lessons plan and objectives. 

Through out driving lesson the instructor will monitor the learner, the road and other vehicles very carefully.  The car will have dual controls so that the driving instructor can stop if necessary.

Subjects covered will include:

·         Controls of the car.

·          Moving off & stopping safely.

·          Angled / uphill / downhill start.

·          Turning left & right from major to minor roads.

·          Emerging at T Junctions.

·          Crossroads.

·          Roundabouts.

·          Pedestrian crossings.

·          Meet, cross & overtake other traffic.

·          Turn in the road.

·          Left hand reverse.

·          Reverse park.

·         Bay Parking

·          Emergency stop.

·         Mock Test

·          Show Me / Tell Me.

The subjects will not necessarily be covered in that exact order as much will depend on the  pupils needs.  Also, the lesson plan could change during the lesson if , the pupil is experiencing difficulty in a particular area then the lesson may be diverted to concentrate on that.

Additionally, driving skills such as clutch control, steering, use of mirrors, road positioning, speed and anticipation will be taught and assessed.

You will also be given tuition and practice on town driving, rural driving & dual carriageway driving.

Knowledge of the Highway Code will also be taught and tested during the driving lessons. When the pupil is ready for the test, they will be asked to apply for driving test date.