The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that Chief Executive Loveday Ryder will be stepping down. This decision coincides with several significant challenges currently facing the agency, including unprecedented test waiting times, ongoing issues related to automated booking systems, high demand for PDI tests exceeding supply, suspended Standards Checks, and examiner dissatisfaction.
A formal statement was issued by DVSA Chair Nick Bitel, Nick Joyce, Director General at the Department for Transport (DfT), indicated that additional updates regarding future leadership will be provided in due course.
Loveday Ryder reflected: “The past five years have presented the most challenging—and at times, rewarding—experiences of my professional career. The staff of DVSA demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining road safety, working diligently each day. I am grateful for their continued dedication and proud to have served as their Chief Executive.”
Nick Joyce, Director General at the DfT, commended Ms Ryder’s contributions: “I would like to thank Loveday for her leadership, particularly her efforts guiding the DVSA through the pandemic and subsequent recovery. We wish her every success in her future endeavours and will announce further leadership plans as soon as possible.”
Carly Brookfield, Chief Executive of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), also commented: “Leading an organization such as the DVSA through the pressures of the pandemic and ongoing operational challenges has been extremely demanding. While the sector has maintained a critical perspective on the agency’s crisis management, we acknowledge the dedication shown by Loveday and her team, especially in fostering greater industry engagement. Nonetheless, after nearly five years, it is appropriate to seek new leadership to address persistent challenges.”
Ms Ryder joined the DVSA in January 2021 and assumed responsibility during an exceptionally difficult period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The post-pandemic environment, however, has proven to present even greater obstacles. Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns over the agency’s response to these issues, noting that several initiatives, such as the '7 Point Plan' launched in December 2024, did not yield the intended outcomes, with waiting times increasing rather than decreasing. Certain measures that produced positive results, like reallocating warrant cardholders to frontline testing, were not sustained.
As Chief Executive, Loveday Ryder committed to enhancing service delivery and modernizing the agency’s technical infrastructure, with recent efforts focused on redeveloping the driver services platforms and booking engines.
Prior to joining the DVSA, Ms Ryder served as Chief Executive of BPDTS Ltd, delivering digital technology services for the Department for Work and Pensions. Her earlier experience includes senior positions within the Ministry of Justice, specializing in organizational design, change management, and programme delivery. Before entering the Civil Service in 2006, she worked in management consultancy, supporting business transformation, performance improvement, and IT programmes across both public and private sectors.