A crisis is looming in the world of driving tests, and it's not just about the long wait times. The real issue lies with the driving examiners themselves, and their struggle to keep up with the demand.
For many young people, passing their driving test is a crucial milestone, but lately, it's become a challenging endeavor. With bots snatching up test dates and wait times stretching on for months, the system is in dire need of reform. Despite government efforts to address the issue, the wait for a driving test remains unacceptably long, with no real solution in sight.
One of the key reasons for this crisis is the shortage of driving examiners. Despite numerous recruitment campaigns, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is struggling to attract and retain examiners. The average wait for a practical test across Great Britain is now a staggering 22 weeks, according to the National Audit Office.
So, what's driving examiners away? And why aren't instructors, who once flocked to test centers, taking up the offer?
Meet Leon Woodman, a former driving examiner from Devon. Woodman, now 35, had a unique perspective on the job. He often faced challenges that most people don't realize are part of an examiner's daily life. "You quite often get those times where you've stopped a crash from happening because you've taken control of a vehicle, and then you've got to do another test within the next five minutes. That's the unseen side of the job," he explained.
Despite the challenges, Woodman enjoyed making a positive impact on people's lives by telling them they had passed. "Some people break down in tears, and others try to give you a hug. It's a nice feeling," he said. However, Woodman eventually left the DVSA due to financial reasons. As a government worker, his pay was capped at just over £30,000, and with the cost of living rising, he felt he had no choice but to move on.
Jason Sykes, a former driving examiner and current instructor, shares a similar story. Sykes, 54, from Dewsbury, loved the stability and benefits that came with being an examiner. However, post-Covid, things changed. He raised concerns about the poor wages and the dodgy booking system, which allows bots and less reputable instructors to manipulate the system. Sykes eventually switched back to being an instructor, but he still has fond memories of his time as an examiner, especially of a particular student, Jean, who passed her test at the age of 82.
Joshua Ramwell, a driving instructor from Stafford, has a different perspective. He runs a YouTube channel, "Josh the Driving Instructor," and has been an instructor since 2019. Ramwell respects examiners but believes it can be a thankless job. "When you pass someone, they generally thank the instructor. If you fail someone, examiners often bear the brunt of the blame," he said.
Ramwell, a late bloomer to driving himself, finds the most rewarding part of instructing is when students have those "lightbulb moments." He recalls a student who struggled with a clutch and then, suddenly, mastered it. "You can see it in their eyes, and next thing you know, they're perfect at it," he said.
But it's not all smooth sailing. Instructors, like examiners, face their fair share of close calls and near-misses. Ramwell recalls a student who suffered from anxiety and had a scary encounter with a tailgating driver, resulting in an emergency stop and a collision.
So, what's the solution to this driving test crisis? How can we attract and retain driving examiners, and ensure a fair and efficient system for all? These are the questions we must ask and discuss. What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
