There is a UK-wide recruitment push to employ more driving test examiners amid the huge backlog caused by the pandemic.

The backlog for car driving tests is as long as up to 24 weeks in some places - leaving many learner drivers fighting for limited options on the online booking system.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently told the Government's Transport Select Committee that the average wait for a practical car driving test was 14 weeks at the end of October.

Loveday Ryder, chief executive at the DVSA, said: “We are doing all we can to provide as many tests as possible so we can get our services back to normal.

“I know learners will be keen to take their test now, but it is important that candidates are properly prepared and don’t rush to take it.

“With more than half of candidates failing, and demand currently extremely high for tests, learners should only take their test only when they are confident they can pass. This will help them to avoid a lengthy wait for a retest and help us by not adding to the backlog of tests."

How to apply to be a driving test examiner at the DVSA

The DVSA is recruiting more examiners for car driving tests in the hopes of reducing the backlog due to Covid-19.

There is an extended deadline for car driving examiner job applications - meaning you can apply until 11.55pm on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

It is the third phase of the DVSA's recruitment drive - meaning there will be reduced test waiting times.

A total of 212 new examiners are set to be recruited by the DVSA.

Candidates will be assessed not only on their driving ability but the way their personality will help learner drivers stay calm on tests.

Plans to increase the number of driving tests

It comes after a planned strike by driving examiners over proposals to increase the number of tests was called off.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) were due to walk out for 48 hours in mid October. 

The union announced that the action has been suspended following constructive talks with senior management on its key demands over plans to increase the number of daily driving tests from seven to eight.

The union said it has been offered a guarantee that the introduction of an eighth daily test is removed for a minimum of 12 months.

Loveday Ryder, chief executive of the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency, said in a letter to examiners: “To understand and address any health and wellbeing issues, we took forward an occupational psychology study to look at the impact on driving examiners of bringing in the change to an eight test day schedule.

"We want to work with local driving test managers and examiners to develop the plan further and to implement the priority recommendations and rebuild trust between our colleagues and DVSA before considering any different ways of working.

"The work we are doing to increase the number of car test appointments continues and our work to increase car test availability is a big priority for us."