As you hopefully saw, the DITC has written to many representatives regarding the lack of ADI tests (Part 2 & 3) available. For anyone who missed it the letter is here

We have so far received replies from:
NASP
Loveday Ryder
Mark Harper - Minister for Transport
Also, PACTS has offered its support highlighting the issue and future collaborations.

Sadly, despite requests to hear from DfT rather than DVSA, Mark Harper has passed this over to the DVSA to address making it a copy of Loveday's letter. It seems the system only allows us to complain to Loveday about the DVSA! We therefore encourage you to raise this with your local MPs who may warrant a more personal response. Please include the DITC letter as a reference.

The responses to date are as follows:

Peter Harvey, Chair, NASP
"Hi Chris
Thank you for sight of your complaint about the PDI tests & trainee licence
situation, as you mention we as individual associations and collectively as
NASP have been challenging this situation for some time, we are all very
concerned about the detrimental effect moving ADI examiners from their core
work to bring the L test waiting lists down, this seems to be having the
desired effect, however how long will it take to correct the situation on
the PDI side.

We are compiling a letter from NASP as the steering body to put to ministers
and would be happy to circulate to you and other industry stakeholders for
your consideration and add your signature, let me know your thought.

Kind regards
Peter
Current NASP Chair (MSAGB)"

Loveday Ryder, CEO, DVSA
"8 March 2024  

Dear Mr Bensted and Mr Brett 
Thank you for your email of 29 February, about the availability of approved driving instructor (ADI) tests and your concerns about potential driving instructor (PDI) licences and training.
As you have mentioned, we are indeed facing challenges as we continue to recover our services following the pandemic. I am sorry for the impact this is having on both ADIs and PDIs.
As you are aware, our current priority is to reduce car practical driving test waiting times and we are working hard to provide as many practical driving test appointments as possible. Examiners who are qualified to conduct ADI tests are helping us by carrying out car driving tests, which means that the wait for ADI tests has increased, nationally.
We are now putting plans in place to increase the number of available ADI tests and continue to recommend that PDIs utilise the book to hold service. This gives us an accurate picture of where demand is, and we can then ensure that we deploy our examiner resources in the right areas. Once ADI examiner programmes have been arranged, we contact those on the hold list to arrange a test.

As you may be aware, the qualification process is paused when a test is put on hold. Trainees must apply to take an ADI part three test before the part one expires; they do not have to have passed the test within the two years. If a trainee’s part one expires and they do not have a test booked or a test booked to hold, they will have to start the qualification process again.
I note you mention support for trainees and monetary loss for PDIs. It might help if I explain that the purpose of a trainee licence is to allow practice in preparation for the part three test. Any income is only to cover the expenses such as vehicle/fuel/insurance, it is not intended to be used as a source of income. Each trainee licence holder has a sponsor, part of the sponsor's role is to provide training and pupils to allow the trainee to practice. We would expect this sponsor to support their trainee throughout the qualification process.

Our role is that of regulator and is to ensure the integrity of the register and maintain the standards of instruction. The ADI qualification process poses a significant challenge and until completed and the applicant's name is entered in the Register, then they are not considered an ADI. More information about this can be found at Get a trainee driving instructor licence: Overview.
You might like to know that we are planning a social media campaign aimed at people wanting to qualify to become an ADI. We hope this will help them manage their expectations on the standard they need to achieve to qualify as well as how long the process will take.
I am sorry for the frustration and inconvenience this matter is clearly causing you and other instructors, as well as those training to be instructors. Whilst I understand your frustration, I am sure you will recognise the importance of reducing practical car driving test waiting times for both instructors and their pupils.
We do value the constructive feedback we receive from the ADI community, and it is important that we continue to work together. Thank you for acknowledging the challenges we face and for your continued support.
Yours sincerely

Loveday Ryder
Chief Executive"

We will continue to keep you updated of any news.