27/08/2026
🚗 IF I WAS IN CHARGE OF DRIVING CHANGES FOR THE DVSA…
I was asked a really good question the other day:
“With your experience as both a former driving examiner and now a driving instructor, what changes would you make if you were in charge of the DVSA?”
Starting from learning to drive and continuing throughout your driving life, these are the changes I would make…
🔵 PART 1 — LEARNING TO DRIVE
✅ A mandatory minimum of 20 hours with a DVSA-approved driving instructor before you can book a practical test.
✅ The driving-test standard needs to be raised.
In my opinion, the test has become so watered down that it’s no longer a proper test of someone’s overall driving ability.
If you can control your nerves and avoid overthinking everything on the day, it can be a relatively easy pass. It often feels more like a mental test than a genuine test of driving skill.
✅ Driving tests should be much longer.
The average test lasts around 35 minutes, which simply isn’t long enough to properly assess someone’s driving standard, knowledge and ability across a variety of situations.
✅ The test should be split into two parts, similar to motorcycle and Category C tests.
The second part should include a minimum of 30 minutes of motorway and dual-carriageway driving.
The standard of driving on national-speed-limit roads can be shocking. Two of the biggest problems I see are:
🔹 Drivers travelling far too slowly when conditions allow the speed limit
🔹 Poor lane discipline, particularly middle-lane and right-lane hogging
People often blame accident hotspots on roads such as the A19 and A1. Although I agree that some roads could be designed better—and that signs and road markings need improving—I believe many incidents are ultimately caused by a lack of driver skill and awareness.
🔴 PART 2 — AFTER PASSING YOUR TEST
✅ Restrictions on engine size for younger and newly qualified drivers.
🔹 Drivers under 21 should be restricted to a maximum 1.0-litre engine
🔹 Drivers under 25 should be restricted to a maximum 1.6-litre engine
🔹 Anyone passing between the ages of 22 and 25 should spend at least one year driving a car with a maximum 1.0-litre engine before upgrading
✅ A mandatory driving assessment every 10 years.
This would ensure drivers remain at an acceptable standard and stay up to date with changes to roads, rules and driving practices.
✅ From the age of 60, the assessment should be completed every three years.
These changes might sound strict, but driving is one of the most dangerous things most of us do—and passing one test shouldn’t automatically mean you’re considered competent for the rest of your life.
Would these changes improve road safety, or do you think they go too far? What would you change if you were in charge of the DVSA? 👇
