The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has appointed Beverley Warmington as its new Chief Executive, replacing Loveday Ryder, who stepped down from the role last month.
In her most recent role, Ms Warmington was Area Director for London, Essex and Eastern England at the Department for Work and Pensions, managing more than 12,000 staff.
Among her priorities, says the Department for Transport, will be reducing the waiting time for driving tests, which may have had an effect on the decline in PCV tests being taken in recent years.
The average wait time for practical car tests was 22 weeks in September, the National Audit Office reported today. The equivalent in early 2020 was five weeks.
Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood, says: “Driving is more than just a means of transport; it is a lifeline for many, opening doors to jobs, opportunities and ultimately contributing to the growth of our economy.
“Beverley Warmington brings a wealth of operational leadership experience with her, including successfully managing large workforces and transforming service delivery.
“I have every confidence she will grip the driving test backlog and robustly oversee the reforms needed to ensure learners can get on the road when they are truly ready and safe to do so.”
She will start her post on 5 January 2026 and will continue with the implementation of the government’s seven-point plan to reduce the tests backlog.
DfT highlights that 75,000 more tests were carried out between June and November this year compared to the same period in 2024, citing overtime pay incentives for examiners.
DVSA Chair, Nick Bitel, adds: “I’m delighted to welcome Beverley to DVSA as she takes up the role of Chief Executive in January.
“Her operational and transformational experience will be a huge asset across DVSA’s driver, vehicle and enforcement services, especially as we continue our urgent work to help learners by reducing driving test waiting times.”
