There may be a few factors apart from potential earnings which are deterring qualified candidates from the job. Most of those with the necessary experience have had dealings with the DVSA throughout their careers, and regular contact with DVSA examiners.
For those working to keep vehicles roadworthy and safe in a commercial environment, prohibitions and failures for minor faults really do damage the credibility of the examiners and the organisation.
Given the turmoil over the past decades in the HGV and PSV testing scheme, there may also be a reluctance to join at a time when the future is less than certain. The testing system worked well from inception and didn't need fixing. It is now damaged to the extent that total privatisation is the only way forward. People, like financial markets, do not like uncertainty.
The PSV and HGV sectors take a big hit daily and annually in terms of deaths and serious injuries at work. The roads are our workplace. Most of the work done by the DVSA examiners is essential and to a high standard, as is the maintenance carried out in workshops throughout the UK.
As for the decisions made high up (most of whom responsible are already gone). Most organisations can survive the odd mistake. Given the catalogue of errors the ministry testing stations have suffered, the success of current provision appears unlikely.
Trevor Coltman
ANVAssociates Transport Compliance Support, Thirsk
