The DVSA has launched the total outcomes of its session on proposed modifications to the driving check reserving system, alongside a brand new Despatches Weblog submit by Christian Oreschnick, the company’s not too long ago appointed service improvement lead for study to drive/journey. The publication goals to elucidate the reasoning behind the choices already introduced, and the service-led strategy the company says it’s now adopting.
However whereas DVSA acknowledges that the brand new mannequin would require instructors and driving colleges to adapt, recent knowledge from a big DIA survey reveals trainers overwhelmingly disagree with each the measures and the best way they’ve been launched.
DVSA outlines its place
In his weblog, Oreschnick thanks the greater than 11,000 responses to the session and stresses that DVSA thought-about responses by viewers group slightly than by quantity alone. He additionally reiterates that the choices introduced by ministers have now set the course for the company’s subsequent steps.
DVSA recognises that the modifications will notably have an effect on enterprise fashions that rely on managing check bookings, together with intensive programs. The company says it should work with NASP and the main nationwide colleges to develop steerage and a pupil toolkit to help implementation.
Oreschnick accepts the extent of concern expressed by trainers, including that DVSA “hears the issues concerning the financial implications” and can proceed participating with consultant our bodies because the operational element of the reforms is outlined.
What DVSA has now printed
DVSA has launched the full session report, which particulars the proof ministers used to make choices on:
• Limiting the power of ADIs to e book assessments
• Limiting check swaps
• Recruiting navy examiners to extend capability
• New measures meant to stop the system being “gamed”
The total report could be accessed right here: https://www.gov.uk/steerage/changes-to-driving-test-booking-rules-in-2026
And the Despatches Weblog submit is obtainable right here: https://despatch.weblog.gov.uk/2025/12/09/changes-to-booking-system-understanding-views-and-how-these-inform-the-planned-changes/
DIA survey findings inform a unique story
DIA’s impartial survey, accomplished this week by 1,051 ADIs, reveals critical issues about each the measures themselves and the decision-making course of behind them.
Key findings embody:
78.7% of trainers disagree with limiting ADIs from reserving assessments
Solely 21.3% help the measure.
77.7% consider the session ought to have included the choice for solely trainers to e book assessments
A reform many ADIs have constantly advocated.
Confidence in DVSA to resolve check supply points is extraordinarily low
Rankings common simply 1.3 to 1.6 out of 5 throughout effectiveness, communication, and belief in DVSA and authorities.
91.2% consider ministers did not correctly think about the adverse impacts of the brand new measures
Solely 8.8% really feel all impacts had been thought-about.
93.5% say authorities should seek the advice of extra absolutely with the trade earlier than implementing modifications
The strongest consensus in the complete survey.
Army examiners seen as having restricted affect on ready occasions
85.1% don’t consider this can meaningfully cut back delays.
Collectively, these responses illustrate an trade that feels excluded from policymaking, deeply nervous concerning the operational penalties of the reforms, and unconvinced that the measures will alleviate the check backlog.
You possibly can view the total survey outcomes right here: https://www.driving.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Member-Suggestions-to-Driving-Take a look at-Reserving-Adjustments.pdf
A rising disconnect between DVSA messaging and trade actuality
Whereas DVSA emphasises that its choices are evidence-based and formed by session suggestions, the sentiment captured within the DIA survey suggests a widening hole between the company’s narrative and ADIs’ lived expertise.
Trainers proceed to report:
- Longstanding difficulties securing assessments
- Considerations about weak learners who depend on teacher help
- Fears that enterprise fashions will change into unviable
- A scarcity of readability about how new guidelines shall be communicated and enforced
- Low confidence in DVSA’s means to ship significant enhancements
The session outcomes printed right now will permit the trade to know how DVSA weighted the proof behind every measure. Nevertheless, the early response from instructors signifies that transparency alone will not be sufficient to revive belief.
DIA’s subsequent steps
DIA will proceed analysing the total session report and can publish a deeper breakdown for members shortly. We may also be:
- Feeding your survey responses immediately into ongoing discussions with ministers and DVSA
- Urgent for clearer timelines and transitional preparations
- Calling for significant co-design with ADIs earlier than implementation
- Advocating for measures that genuinely cut back ready occasions, slightly than prohibit entry for pupils who want help
- Taking a look at different methods to allow ADIs to be higher gatekeepers to licensure – DIA is actively participating with DVSA to have a look at methods through which trainers could be higher enabled, supported and promoted because the skilled gatekeeper to a driving licence. To that finish we shall be organising focus teams within the New 12 months to discover concepts with members.
Your voices are shaping this work, and the dimensions of the response sends a strong message: trainers need reform, however it have to be workable, evidence-based, and developed with the occupation, not for it.
