Driving Standards Agency (DSA)
Driving Standards Agency was replaced by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in April 2014.
The HomeApproved review of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (Formerly The DSA) seeks to inform and assist all motorists and particularly learner drivers in the workings of this organisation.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is fully funded by fee income and revenue from non-statutory activities. Over two-thirds of DVSA employees are driving examiners, as the Agency is the body responsible for conducting driving tests in the UK. During most years the Agency conducts around 2 million practical tests for car drivers, in addition over 1.5 million theory tests were carried out at 158 centres up an down the UK.
The vision of the organisation is “Safe Driving for Life”, with statistics backing this up i.e. ‘achieving a 40% reduction in riders and drivers killed or seriously injured in road accidents, in the age group up to 24 years, by 2010 compared with the average for 1994-98.’
UK Car Driving Test
The Driving Test was initially introduced in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1935. The DVSA web site will give you the starting point for all the things you need to know to get started:
• Provisional Driving Licence, minimum ages, medical conditions, etc.
• Learning to drive with your family and friends
• How to find a Quality Driving Instructor
• Guidance on the theory and practical part of the test
Over the last 8 decades there have been a number of important amendments to the test in order to keep it fresh and up-to-date. The goal of the driving test is to produce drivers who are capable of being safe road users in the 21st century.
Customer Services
General enquiries: driving tests, instructors, trainers and Driver CPC: DVSA, PO Box 280, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE99 1FP.
E-mail: customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122 Theory tests: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. Practical tests: Monday to Friday, 8am to midday. Instructors and trainers: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (use the fast track service). Driver CPC: Monday to Friday, 9am to midday.