What today’s DVSA announcement means for learner drivers in Milton Keynes

This week has been an important one for driver training across the country. Yesterday it was confirmed that Loveday Ryder, Chief Executive of the DVSA since January 2021, will be stepping down from her role. Her departure comes at a time when the agency is still under significant pressure, with long driving test waiting times, high demand, and a booking system that has struggled to recover fully since the pandemic.

Earlier this year the DVSA carried out a major national consultation to gather views on how the driving test booking system should be made fairer. The response was probably one of the largest the agency has ever received. Key themes included concerns about fairness, access, and frustration at the influence of third party resellers.

These resellers have become a major issue across the UK. Many use automated tools to secure test slots instantly before selling them on at inflated prices to learners already facing delays. The BBC reported that automated bots and similar tools have been a significant factor in the current proposals to reform the system. Here in Milton Keynes we have seen resellers attempting to bribe instructors for booking access and targeting vulnerable families during an already difficult period of recovery.

Only learner drivers will be able to book their own tests

More than seventy per cent of respondents supported the proposal that only learners should be able to book and manage their own tests. The BBC reported that this change will formally bring an end to instructors booking tests on behalf of their pupils. It also aims to shut down the market used by third party sellers and automated software.

Instructors will still be able to set availability through the DVSA business booking service, which helps prevent diary conflicts while keeping control of the booking in the hands of the learner.

Limits on swapping or moving test dates

From spring 2026 learners will be limited to two test swaps or changes, and the test area will be locked once booked. This follows evidence that some people were booking tests in quieter areas purely to move them to busier centres later.

Ministry of Defence examiners supporting civilian testing

Thirty six Ministry of Defence driving examiners will support civilian testing for one day each week for the next twelve months. The BBC reported that these examiners are civil servants rather than military personnel, and that they will complete focused training on civilian assessment standards before starting. They will also learn local routes before conducting any testing.

This may bring some relief to busy test centres such as Bletchley and Leighton Buzzard, although the overall increase remains modest.

Examiner recruitment and retention

The BBC reported that although 316 new examiners have been recruited, the net gain has been only 40 because of staff leaving the agency. Retention remains a significant challenge, and this limits the speed at which waiting times can be reduced.

The seven week target will not be met

Heidi Alexander confirmed to the Transport Select Committee that the government will not meet its aim to reduce waiting times to seven weeks by summer 2026. The BBC reported that the average waiting time at the end of June stood at 21.8 weeks. This confirms the scale of the challenge ahead.

Professional reflections and what could help next

Third party exploitation

Although some resellers believe they are offering a useful service, many have taken advantage of vulnerable learners and families. The confirmed changes should help close off this route of unfairness.

Limits on swapping tests

While the intention behind the new limit is understandable, it reduces flexibility for responsible instructors. In Milton Keynes, co-operative swapping between instructors has allowed test slots to be used appropriately, avoided unnecessary cancellations, and prevented pupils from falling back into long queues.

Additional strategies worth considering

1. Returning warrant-holding examiners to frontline testing for a sustained period.

2. Temporarily redeploying examiners from quieter centres into busier ones such as Bletchley and Leighton Buzzard.

3. Exploring whether qualified advanced driving examiners could assist.

What this means for DTMK pupils

For now, nothing changes immediately. The new rules are expected to begin in spring 2026. We will guide every pupil through the new system when it arrives. Our approach remains the same. Build confidence steadily, prepare properly, and book your test only when you are genuinely ready.

If you have any questions about how this DVSA announcement might affect your test plan, please speak to us during your next lesson or visit https://www.dtmk.co.uk.

References

BBC News (2025) Driving test rules to change in bid to stop bots booking slots. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn09v4d2xe7o (Accessed 12 November 2025).