The coalition NASP (National Associations Strategic Partnership), which represents the UK’s professional driver training sector, has issued a strongly worded warning to government ministers.

It claims that recent changes to the driving test booking system could undermine road safety and sideline qualified instructors.

DVSA introduced the changes as part of its attempt to reduce driving test backlogs and the mis-selling of driving test slots.

United we stand

In a letter dated 9 March 2026, the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) raised “ongoing concern” over what it describes as the effective exclusion of ADIs from the practical test booking platform, a move it says removes a crucial safeguard in the licensing process.

NASP, which acts as a steering group for the industry, argues that ADIs should play a central “gatekeeper” role in determining when learners are ready to take their practical test.

However, it claims that the new system allows learners and their families to make that decision independently, potentially increasing the risk on the road.

“Approved Driving Instructors should play a key role in helping to gatekeep a driving licence,” the letter states, warning that the current system instead “favours pupil and parent wants, versus road safety needs.”

Under the existing rules, learners in the UK can be taught by anyone over the age of 21 who has held a full licence for three years, meaning professional instruction is not mandatory.

NASP argues that, without stronger oversight or a structured curriculum, the process lacks consistency and reliable data on how learners are trained.

The group also criticised the decision to restrict instructor access to the booking platform, saying it removes their ability to ensure candidates are test-ready before securing a slot.

This, it says, could lead to more underprepared drivers taking tests, increasing failure rates and placing additional strain on an already stretched system.

 

Confusing outlook

Before the change, instructors were already dealing with pressure from pupils to secure scarce test appointments amid long waiting times.

NASP claims the new approach could worsen the situation, with learners booking tests independently and then seeking out any available instructor, or even taking the test in their own vehicle.

The letter points to a reported rise in “private runners”, candidates taking tests without their regular instructor, as evidence of this trend, raising concerns about inconsistent standards and safety.

NASP also questioned the rationale behind the policy, arguing that the decision unfairly penalises the majority of instructors for the actions of a small number of “bad actors” who were accused of misusing the booking system.

Describing the move as a “sledgehammer to crack a nut,” the group warned it risks “engineering more risk into the system and onto our roads” while damaging trust between instructors and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Good to talk

The organisation further criticised the consultation process that led to the changes, claiming it was flawed and disproportionately influenced by non-expert public opinion.

One stakeholder, cited in the letter, described it as “a referendum, not a consultation,” arguing that professional voices were not given sufficient weight.

NASP said it had raised concerns during and after the consultation, but had yet to receive a satisfactory explanation of how responses were balanced, or how risks were assessed before the policy was implemented.

The group also expressed alarm over broader proposals under consideration, including minimum learning periods that non-professional supervising drivers could sign off.

It warned that allowing untrained individuals to validate a learner’s readiness effectively would further dilute standards.

“This is effectively Einstein’s definition of madness,” the letter states, criticising the idea of “letting anyone be part of training learners to drive and gatekeeping their access to a driving licence.”

 

Where are we going?

The intervention comes amid broader challenges in the driver training sector, including test backlogs, examiner shortages and concerns over instructor retention.

NASP claims some instructors have already left the industry following the changes, while intensive driving schools have reported significant disruption.

Calling for urgent answers, the group has asked ministers to clarify whether the long-term safety implications of the decision have been fully considered.

It concludes with a stark warning: that prioritising ease of access to driving tests over professional oversight could have “far-reaching, and potentially dangerous consequences” for both new drivers and the wider public.

Read the NASP letter here.