Military drafted in to clear driving test backlog
November 13, 2025 by David Motton
Car changing is a big deal
Learning to drive? Your examiner could be from the MOD
Driving tests are pretty nervewracking, and now your examiner could be from the military. Don’t panic though, it won’t be the drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket screaming at you, the government is bringing in driving examiners from the Ministry of Defense.
The move is one of a range of measures to clear a backlog of frustrated learners waiting to take their test. Waiting times vary depending on location, but the average wait for a practical test is 22 weeks, according to recent DVSA figures.
The military driving examiners will deliver up to 6,500 more tests over the next 12 months. Some 36 MoD personnel will conduct practical driving tests with members of the public one day a week for the next 12 months. The examiners usually test members of the armed forces, covering cars, fuel tankers and armoured carriers.
The MoD examiners will mostly work on car driving tests but could also be called upon for bus and lorry tests if necessary.
The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “These new measures will deliver thousands of extra tests over the next year, helping learners get on the road sooner. This will ease pressure on the system.”
As well as bringing in MOD examiners, the government is also introducing new rules to tackle unfair booking practices which have seen unscrupulous resellers booking up tests and then selling slots for a profit.
Under the new rules, learner drivers will be able to make two changes to the driving test in total before the test must be cancelled and rebooked. These changes could include moving the time, swapping tests with another learner, or changing the test location.
Learner drivers will be restricted to a limited number of test centres close to the location of the original booking. Only learner drivers will be able to book tests – it will no longer be possible for instructors to book tests on behalf of their customers.
The government believes these measures will stop third parties reselling tests at rip-off prices, well above the DVSA fee of £62 on weekdays and £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
The director of the RAC Foundation, Steve Gooding, has welcomed the changes: “It is good to see steps being put in place to put a stop to those touting tests to frustrated learners – candidates stuck in the queue should at least be reassured that they aren’t being elbowed aside by those simply seeking to make a quick buck.”
How to pass your driving test
Your driving test won’t change just because you’ve got someone from the military in the passenger seat. Here are some top tips on how to pass your driving test.
- Get plenty of practice
- Learn the highway code
- Get to know the roads around the test centre
- Show that you’re looking – make your observations obvious
- Face your fears – Spend time practicing the things you struggle with
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