Skip advert
Advertisement

Driving test examiners to go on strike: dates announced

DVSA staff will walk out from 6 March, as union aims for “significant impact” on operations

L plate on Volkswagen Lupo

Driving examiners across the UK will go on strike in March, with “significant impact” on Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) operations anticipated.

The strike has been organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). DVSA staff in London and the south-east will skip work on 6-7 March, followed by the south-west and Wales (9-10 March), the east midlands, west midlands and east (20-21 March), and finally the north and Scotland (27-28 March).

PCS says its previous round of rolling regional strike action was “well supported” and resulted in an estimated £28million of lost driving test revenue. The union added: “This further action will have a significant impact on the employer's operations.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

James Armstrong, CEO of Veygo – which provides temporary and learner car insurance – said: “Over the past few years, learners have had various knockbacks, including extensive backlogs and delays to both lessons and test dates, with some areas of the UK still facing up to 24 weeks wait to take their practical test. These strikes will no doubt be another knock for learners, particularly early in the year when learners may have hoped to secure their pink licence and make the most of driving in the year ahead. 

“Despite this, we urge learners not to be disheartened and to make the most of any extra time to get in some more private practice, so that when they do take their test, they have a higher chance of passing first time.”

Do you support the planned strike action? Have your say in the comments below... 

First Cars on Auto Express... 

Everything you need to know about learning to drive, getting your driving licence and choosing your first car...

Learning to drive

Passing your driving test

Getting your first car

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Major driving test changes as DVSA puts brakes on emergency stops
Learner driver

Major driving test changes as DVSA puts brakes on emergency stops

Driving test revisions will focus more on ‘independent driving’ to replicate modern risks on the road
News
7 May 2025
Government pledges to cut practical driving test delays
New driver tearing up an L-plate

Government pledges to cut practical driving test delays

Waiting times for driving tests will be reduced to just seven weeks by the end of next summer, according to the DfT
News
24 Apr 2025
Driving test bookings: long waiting lists, frauds and costs

Driving test bookings: long waiting lists, frauds and costs

The time you wait to take a driving test has increased as much as 250% in the last five years, as government drafts measures to combat waiting lists
News
16 Apr 2025
Cheapest cars to insure in the UK 2025
Cheapest cars to insure - header image

Cheapest cars to insure in the UK 2025

These are the cars with the lowest insurance group ratings in the UK today
Best cars & vans
22 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change
Protyre area manager Simon Hall inspecting a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change

The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories
News
12 May 2025
Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”
VW Golf GTI badge

Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”

VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
News
13 May 2025
Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future
Mazda MX-5 EV exclusive image - front

Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future

The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
10 May 2025