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The DVSA has issued a warning to millions of drivers about a "strict" new rule set to come into effect in January 2025. The agency has unveiled a comprehensive 7-point strategy

aimed at slashing the long waiting times for driving tests, which includes the recruitment of an additional 450 driving examiners across Great Britain. Part of this initiative will see the

introduction of "stricter terms and conditions" for businesses reserving tests from 6 January 2025. This move is designed to clamp down on resellers who book tests for learners

they do not teach and prevent them from purchasing tests only to sell them on at inflated prices, reports Birmingham Live. The DVSA's plan is geared towards ensuring that test slots are

accessible to genuine learners at standard rates, cutting down the wait time for a test, and guaranteeing a more equitable driving test booking system as we approach Christmas and the New

Year. DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder expressed enthusiasm about the new measures, stating: "We are delighted to launch our 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times. The

measures will help make the driving test booking system fairer for learners, better protecting them from exploitation, and continue to provide them with the tools to help them pass their

test." Ryder also highlighted the agency's commitment to building upon the previous year's efforts, which saw over 2 million tests conducted to expedite learners' journey

onto the road. She added, "We are asking learners, driving instructors and the driver training industry for their views on our booking system and processes, so we can better understand

their needs and gather evidence ahead of any changes." Lilian Greenwood, future of roads minister, stated: "Passing your driving test is a life changing opportunity for millions –

but sky-high waiting times for tests in recent years have denied that opportunity to too many people." She added, "No one should have to wait six months when they're ready to

pass, travel to the other side of the country to take a driving test or be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can't afford to wait. The scale of the backlog we have

inherited is huge, but today's measures are a crucial step to tackle the long driving test wait times, protect learner drivers from being exploited, and support more people to hit the

road."