Members of the Public and Commercial Service union (PCS) are taking action, ostensibly in opposition to the changes to the driving test, but primarily due to their wider grievances over contracts. The Union said examiners were being told to work longer, harder and for no extra pay when the new tests are introduced. DVSA argues PCS are using the new Driving Test merely as a battering ram in their wider dispute over contracts – contracts (as they point out) PCS originally agreed to.

An overtime ban and work to rule will also commence from today (23 November), which the Union says could lead to last minute cancellations of tests across England, Wales and Scotland.

DVSA have pointed to the fact that only about a third of Examiners are members of PCS, meaning that less than a third of Examiners will be involved in any industrial action, somewhat diminishing the threats of widespread disruption made by PCS.

In terms of the strikes planned for December, when it comes to the crunch, the union could also find that some of their members may be less than enthusiastic about actually taking action as both a day’s pay  – and a day’s pension contribution – will be lost by those striking.

The union has called for the new test to be suspended pending a full safety review, and wants a limit of six tests a day for examiners. Last week DVSA wrote to stakeholders reiterating the rigorous risk assessment process with had taken place, alongside the biggest trial ever to happen in UK driver testing. Internal and External risk assessments (carried out by Rospa) were also published. PCS were consulted in the risk assessment process.

Click on the link below to get advice for ADIs and Candidates