DVSA publish their annual report and accounts, allowing insight into their performance, as well as how public money is managed and whether their objectives for the financial year 2024-25 have been met.
Car driving tests objective achieved with the amount of car driving tests provided, which was 1.96 million. This figure is still significantly above pre-pandemic levels. However, we are not on track to meet our target of bringing waiting times down to 7 weeks by December 2025. We realise the impact this has on the driver training industry and learners.
We are working hard to achieve this alongside the Department for Transport, and have a plan in place for this.
Lorry driver and motorbike rider tests
We provided around 40,000 lorry and bus driving tests in 2024-25. Our partners in the training, haulage and bus industries also provided an additional 20,000 tests on our behalf. On average lorry candidates waited around 2 weeks for a test, while bike candidates waited around 5½ weeks for one.
MOT and lorry and bus annual tests
98% of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs), which we partner with to ensure the nation’s lorries and buses are checked annually to be roadworthy, reported that they are happy with the service we provide them. And we also introduced improved digital services to make hauliers’ and ATFs’ work easier and more accessible.
42 million car, van and motorbike MOTs were provided by our garage partners, which plays an important part in keeping Britain’s roads among the safest in the world. However, MOT garages who report that they are satisfied with DVSA’s service fell from 89% last year to 75% this year. This is partly due to a new way of carrying out our surveys, although we are working with garages to address their needs and provide the guidance they need, in the way they want.
Enforcement
Our flagship Earned Recognition Scheme supports roadside enforcement teams in only stopping the most dangerous vehicles. Better use of technology and remote enforcement is making sure our colleagues' time is better used, more targeted and provides a higher number of checks compared to last year. The introduction of electric stopper vehicles was a leap forward for sustainability.
Our commitment to road safety
Despite the operational pressures we face, safety remains at the heart of everything we do. By maintaining this focus, continuously improving our services and supporting our dedicated workforce, I am sure that DVSA will continue to make significant contributions to keeping Britain moving, safely and sustainably.
If you are interested in reading further, you can look at DVSA’s Annual Report and Accounts. It includes the details of all of DVSA’s work including overseeing vehicle recalls, theory tests and supporting the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvsa-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025