Driving Examiner Roles - Department for Transport Careers

Some of the safest roads in the world are made here

At the DVSA, we play a vital role in keeping Britain’s roads safe. We conduct over 1.9 million driving tests a year, helping connect people and their communities.

You’ve already got the skills

Driving Examiners are the people at the heart of our work. Coming from every background under the sun – from Forces to Retail – they form the backbone of DVSA services across the country.

Who can be a Driving Examiner?

If you’re over 23, have held a driving license for a minimum of three years and have excellent customer service skills, and the ability to remain cool, calm and collected under pressure, then this could be perfect for you.

The people you test will be nervous, so you’ll need to have a reassuring, calm persona to put them at ease. Your knowledge, skills and judgement will determine if a candidate is ready and safe to take to the road alone, meaning you’ll need to be detail oriented, objective and efficient.

When you join us, you’ll undertake an intensive six-week training phase to make sure you’re up to speed. The training is fast paced, so you’ll need to dedicate yourself to it completely, but it will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed, and you will be supported at every stage.

What’s in it for me?

Driving Examiners are Civil Servants, so you’ll benefit from an outstanding benefits package. This includes generous annual leave, one of the best pensions in the country and a huge range of career development and progression opportunities.

DVSA’s Driving Examiners benefit from a working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance. 

Our full-time examiners test 5 out of 7 days working a 37-hour week. If your application is successful, we are open to exploring alternative flexible and part-time working.

Find out more here:


Kelly Swift, Driving Examiner

“I was lucky enough to be part of a great group who really came together to support each other through the ups and downs! We had a mixture of backgrounds and skills, which was an advantage as we brought different strengths and weaknesses.”


How do I apply?

As part of your application, you’ll be assessed on several key skills. First, you’ll take part in an online test, where you’ll be asked to write a behavioural question.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview which will be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams. This is your opportunity to really demonstrate why you are ideal for the job, giving you the chance to bring your skills and attributes alive. 

If successful at interview you will be contacted to arrange a time and date at one of our Theory Test Centres to conduct a pre booked Theory Test. You will need to have your Driver’s License to hand, in order to arrange.

Assessing your driving ability

You’ll take part in a driving ability assessment. It will last 60 minutes and during that time you will be asked to complete:

  • An eyesight check.
  • One reverse manoeuvre.
  • Drive independently for approximately 20 minutes.
  • 5 minutes of talk through.

To be successful you should demonstrate a systematic, consistent high level of planning and awareness, showing evidence of knowledge and application of modern driving techniques.  Your drive should be well structured, making progress where possible and giving consideration to fuel efficient driving.



Drive Assessment Guide

You will be assessed against 12 competencies during your Drive Assessment. Download the document below to learn more about the Assessment and the 12 competencies.


Nick Kimber, DVSA driving examiner, sitting in a wheelchair.

Nick Kimber, Driving Examiner

“My primary role is to conduct driving tests, making sure people meet the required standard to drive safely on our roads. I get to meet people from all walks of life and I become part of their learning to drive journey.”


Find out more about working for DVSA

You can find out more about working for us, including all the other benefits we have to offer, by using the links below:

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