Driver Training

This is a Preliminary Market Engagement Exercise and does not constitute a tendering opportunity or a call for competition. DVSA is seeking market insight from potential providers to inform the future delivery model for training new Driving Examiners. The purpose of this engagement is to shape a forthcoming procurement strategy that supports onboarding for c. 400 new entrants per year while ensuring the continued delivery of high standards in safety, consistency, and professionalism.

DVSA is initiating this market engagement to explore external delivery options for a comprehensive 7-week training programme for Driving Examiners. The programme is expected to be delivered through a blended learning model incorporating in-car, classroom, online, and virtual formats. This engagement seeks to identify innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that can support DVSA’s strategic objective of increasing examiner capacity while maintaining operational excellence.

The training programme is designed to

• Equip examiners with advanced driving techniques
• Ensure consistent application of test control procedures
• Strengthen fault assessment and decision-making capabilities
• Promote high standards of customer service and professionalism
• Achieve our goal of high standards of road safety behaviour

Training Programme Overview

Week 1 – Infield Week

• Welcome, safety briefings, admin setup
• Eyesight checks, customer service fundamentals
• Introduction to theory test, sat-nav SOP, route learning
• Shadowing live driving tests
• Completion of mandatory Civil Service Learning modules

Week 2 – Virtual Training

• Online sessions covering examiner responsibilities and DVSA standards
• Deep dive into the DVSA Essential Skills manual
• Shadowing live tests and virtual coffee morning with DVSA CEO

Week 3 – Control Training (Part 1)

• Practice test delivery, standard wordings, and safety checks
• Use of Digital and Paper Test Reports (DTR/PTR)
• Online modules: Speaking Challenge, Emergency Stop

Week 4 – Control Training (Part 2)

• Full test delivery from waiting room to conclusion
• Route knowledge, feedback delivery, and customer service
• Online modules: Debriefing Faults, Customer Service & Wordings

Week 5 – Assessment Training (Part 1)

• Fault identification and assessment
• Eyesight failure procedures and customer care
• Delivered in small groups at regional centres

Week 6 – Assessment Training (Part 2)

• Differentiating fault types (minor, serious, dangerous)
• Verbal and physical interventions, test terminations

Week 7 – Assessment & Consolidation

• Full test simulations with complex scenarios
• Final progress checks and readiness assessment

As part of our strategic market engagement, we are exploring the most effective approach to delivering a comprehensive training solution. We are particularly interested in understanding how specialist providers can contribute to different components of the training offer to deliver enhanced value, flexibility, and impact. We welcome insights and proposals that demonstrate how your expertise could support our objectives and form part of a broader, high-performing solution.

Please note this is a draft outline of the requirement and will be subject to amendment prior to any potential procurement exercise. The contract start date is an estimate and may be amended prior to any potential procurement exercise.