Pauline Reeves (DVSA), at MSAgb (25-Jul-26)

Took up post Sep-24, ex-road safety policy at DfT.  Operating on 24-week booking window (so Xmas holidays are the current, more difficult, period being offered).  Her role is primarily to bring waiting times to 7 weeks.  Overtime programme incentives are due to end Nov-26, but she's tracking to bring target forward from Dec-27.

In June, 1645 examiners (1589 delivering tests).  Modelling is "really accurate".  It's tough to compete in London and SE, especially, for salary.  However, attraction of applicants is being helped greatly by ADI organisations.  Main UK cities are being targeted as in greatest need.

Driver Services Platform: process will be more user-focused with better UX.  Specialist contractor "Kainos" have a clear goal to "design for the [all the] people who use it".  Following research, their development includes DVLA (of course) and is being piloted by one examiner at Durham TC (till Oct-26).  Despatch will share progress.  Further testing events will occur till Dec-26.

Pauline then recapped formal changes in recent months for test booking.

DVSA is alerting Apple/Google to remove test-reselling apps (17 so far, including "Testi"), reporting social media accounts (27 removed), suspending business accounts, and now offering an online reporting service (via Despatch).  Pauline "loves" collaboration with Peter Harvey and other national groups, leading to updating ADI Code of Practice (for early release); ORDIT workshop to review the scheme and agree underpinning principles; and is "passionate about reinstating partnership events" at local test centres.