Press Release

DVSA extends Driving Theory Test delivery contract with Pearson VUE: new test centres opened


LONDON, UK, Oct. 10, 2016 – The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has chosen to extend its multi-year agreement with global computer-based testing leader Pearson VUE to deliver the Driving Theory test.

As part of the new agreement, new Driving Theory test centres have been opened across the UK this month [September]. The new agreement comes as the DVSA celebrates 20 years of the Driving Theory Test and Pearson VUE celebrates the delivery of its 20 millionth computer-based Driving Theory test.

Lesley Young, DVSA chief driving examiner, said: "DVSA is committed to providing a service that meets the needs and expectations of our customers. I'm pleased that we'll be able to offer customers more choice and will be opening an additional 28 theory test centres across Great Britain, as a result of our contract extension with Pearson VUE."

Dr Gary Gates, senior vice president of global business at Pearson VUE, said: "Since we began our partnership with DVSA in 2004, Pearson VUE has delivered the computer-based driving theory test to over 20 million people through our nationwide network of highly secure test centres. This test is crucial for road safety in Britain and I am delighted that, with the announced extension of our agreement with DVSA, this will continue into the future."

Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive, added: "Great Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world. But there’s still more that we can do to keep road users safe - particularly newly-qualified drivers. Making sure that the test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently is part of our strategy to help every driver through a lifetime of safe driving."

The additional test centres will be at seven fixed sites and 21 community-based locations, providing candidates across the UK with a greater choice of where to sit their theory test. The new agreement includes delivery of Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) tests in Northern Ireland.

About the DVSA and the DVA
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Transport. It improves road safety by setting standards for driving and motorcycling, and making sure that drivers, vehicle operators and MOT garages follow roadworthiness standards. It also provides a range of licensing, testing, education and enforcement services. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is responsible for licensing and testing vehicles and drivers in Northern Ireland.


Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7010 2582
damien.fletcher@pearson.com