DVSA and DVLA chiefs face Transport Committee questions
DVSA and DVLA chiefs will face questions from the Transport Committee on their progress with clearing backlogs in processing driving tests and licence applications.
Meeting details
At the DVSA’s last committee appearance in October 2021, it confirmed that pandemic disruption had caused longer waiting times for practical tests. Its backlog at the time was 500,000 – double the usual level.
The agency aims to recruit 300 driving examiners. It also states that it has achieved some objectives to help speed up its processes such as launching a new theory test booking service.
DVSA’s Chief Executive Loveday Ryder, and its Director of Operations Peter Hearn, will be asked about tackling types of fraud. Examples include candidates hiring lookalikes to take practical tests for them, or taking theory tests while receiving answers via a Bluetooth earpiece. There have also been reports of a black market in selling driving test slots that are earlier than those available on official channels, and at marked-up prices.
There will also be questions about the DVSA’s role in ensuring that HGVs are roadworthy.
Meanwhile, around three million DVLA customers were affected by delays in 2020 when applying for driving licences or updating their records for medical reasons. Its Chief Executive Julie Lennard, who will give evidence in this session, previously told the Committee that operational staff didn’t work while they were required to stay at home during the first covid lockdown. Operations were “gradually” stepped up later in the year, she said.
DVLA received 26,833 complaints in 2021-22, up from 7,775 the previous year. It also processes a large proportion of transactions by post – 31% were completed fully or partially on paper in 2021-22.
MPs will ask for an update on clearing the backlog, and about implementing changes such as allowing other medical professionals aside from doctors to complete DVLA medical forms, a move designed to cut waiting times.
There will be questions about DVLA’s progress with implementing changes recommended to it by the Public Accounts Committee in February, which were agreed to by the Government.