Key Highlights
- The Department for Transport and the Ministry of Defence will collaborate to deploy 36 defence driving examiners across England.
- These examiners will conduct up to 6,500 additional tests over a year in centres with high demand.
- New measures include restrictions on test rearrangements and bans on third-party bookings to tackle reselling of tests.
- The initiative aims to address the driving test backlog and support economic growth by enabling more learners to get behind the wheel sooner.
Government Mobilises Military Driving Examiners Amid Test Backlog Crisis
In a significant move to alleviate the growing backlog of driving tests, the UK government has partnered with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to deploy 36 defence driving examiners across England. This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce waiting times and make testing more accessible for learners.
Collaborative Effort to Tackle Test Backlog
The Department for Transport, in collaboration with the MOD, has announced a unique partnership to address the pressing issue of driving test backlogs. Starting on 12 November 2025, these defence examiners will provide thousands of additional tests across various centres over the next year.
Additional Tests and Fair Testing Practices
According to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, this deployment aims to deliver up to 6,500 extra tests, thereby easing pressure on the system. The test centres with highest demand will be prioritized for these additional exams. Moreover, new measures are being introduced to ensure a fair testing environment. These include limiting the number of changes learners can make to their test bookings and banning third parties from reselling tests.
Impact on Learners and Economic Growth
The government’s actions underscore its commitment to supporting learners who are eager to obtain their driving licences. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted, “Every learner should have an equal and fair opportunity to take a test.” This initiative is expected to help more people get behind the wheel sooner, thereby reducing barriers to economic growth and providing greater mobility.
Military Support and New Booking Rules
The deployment of military examiners comes with no negative impact on military operations. Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, expressed his support, stating that “this is another example of our commitment in action.” The new measures aim to prevent reselling practices that have been profiting at learners’ expense. These changes include a limit of up to two test date changes and restrictions on booking only from the original location.
Industry Context and Expert Perspective
The government’s initiative follows increased pressure due to long waiting times for driving tests. Experts like Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, welcomed the measures but highlighted that a return to more reasonable pre-COVID waiting times would be essential. He suggested that while these new steps are positive, they need to be part of an overall strategy to address backlogs effectively.
The deployment of defence driving examiners is seen as a pragmatic solution to a complex issue. By integrating military expertise with civilian needs, the government hopes to make significant strides in reducing waiting times and ensuring fair access to testing.
