A renewed recruitment campaign by the DVSA is under growing scrutiny after new figures revealed that only a fraction of applicants secured roles as driving test examiners last year.

The recruitment campaign was a major plank of the proposed remedy for record driving test waiting times.

These latest revelations come as the DVSA launches stricter conditions for driving test bookings.

Wanted

According to figures reported by the Daily Mail, just 327 of 11,132 applicants were appointed as practical driving examiners during 2025—equating to a success rate of around 3%.

The data has raised fresh questions about whether the DVSA’s recruitment strategy can address the ongoing shortage of examiners, which continues to drive long waiting times for learner drivers across the UK.

The agency has launched multiple recruitment campaigns in recent years to boost examiner numbers and reduce the backlog of driving tests.

However, despite these efforts, progress has been limited.

Since 2021, 19 recruitment campaigns have been conducted, yet the increase in the number of examiners has been relatively modest.

 

Important positions

Driving examiners play a critical role in the licensing system.

As civil servants, they are the only individuals authorised to conduct practical driving tests and determine whether candidates are safe to drive independently.

The DVSA’s recruitment process is notably rigorous, involving multiple stages including eligibility checks, interviews, role-play assessments and a practical driving test.

Candidates must also complete a training programme before they are allowed to assess learners.

Officials argue that such strict standards are essential to maintain road safety, ensuring that only highly competent individuals are appointed.

However, critics suggest that the combination of a complex selection process, relatively low starting salaries and poor morale may be deterring otherwise suitable candidates.

Reports indicate starting pay is in the region of £28,000, while the role itself can involve high levels of responsibility and pressure.

Waiting game

The impact of recruitment challenges is being felt across the driving test system.

Average waiting times for a practical test reached around 22 weeks last year, significantly higher than the DVSA’s long-term target of seven weeks.

Industry figures have warned that without a substantial increase in the number of examiners, those delays are likely to persist.

The National Audit Office has previously estimated that hundreds of additional examiners may be required to bring waiting times under control.

Retention is also a concern.

Around 12% of examiners are estimated to leave the role each year, further undermining recruitment efforts and placing additional strain on the workforce.

In response, the DVSA has adjusted its recruitment processes, including reducing the time required to onboard successful candidates.

Recent improvements have cut the average recruitment and onboarding period from around 16 weeks to 13 weeks, with further reductions planned.

The agency has also continued to refine its approach to targeting recruitment campaigns, using postcode data and demand analysis to identify areas with the greatest need for examiners.

 

What’s on offer

Despite these efforts, driving instructors and industry groups have voiced concerns that the current approach may not go far enough.

Some argue that broader changes, such as improved pay, clearer career progression and better working conditions, may be needed to attract and retain suitable candidates.

For learner drivers, the consequences remain immediate and tangible.

Long waits for tests can delay employment opportunities, increase training costs and create frustration for those ready to take their test.

With demand for driving tests continuing to outstrip supply, the success of the DVSA’s latest recruitment campaign will be closely watched.

The challenge now is not only attracting more applicants, but ensuring that more of them make it through a demanding selection process and into the examiner workforce.