Driving Examiner Shortage Persists Amid Pay and System Challenges
The DVSA is facing an ongoing shortage of driving examiners, with only a net increase of 83 examiners since 2021 despite 19 recruitment campaigns. As a result, the average wait time for a practical driving test across Great Britain remains at 22 weeks.
An audit report has stated that the government's goal to reduce this waiting time to seven weeks by the end of the year is unlikely to be met until November 2027.
The current booking system has come under criticism for allowing bots and unscrupulous driving instructors to purchase test slots and resell them at inflated prices, which negatively impacts learner drivers.
Examiners' pay and career prospects are cited as significant reasons behind high turnover. DVSA driving examiners are on a civil-service pay scale with a maximum salary just over £30,000. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, price increases for driving lessons have attracted potential recruits away from the DVSA.
Personal accounts highlight the pressures within the role. Former examiner Leon Woodman left in 2023 due to pay concerns and shifts to hybrid working, while Jason Sykes returned to being a driving instructor. The job is described as high-pressure, with examiners facing criticism when candidates fail their tests, adding to their strain and contributing to departures.
