VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Driving Tests

Asked by Samantha NiblettLabourDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 8 June 2026UIN 6603

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of levels of pressure on driving examiners to increase driving test pass rates; and what safeguards are in place to ensure that test outcomes are based on candidate performance and road safety considerations.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has not changed the standard for the practical driving test. Examiners assess learners against a consistent national standard, and outcomes are based solely on learners’ performance and road safety.

All driving examiners receive comprehensive initial training, supported by ongoing refresher training and regular quality assurance activity to ensure consistency of testing standards nationwide.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim