Hundreds of physical and verbal attacks on driving test examiners, DVSA stats show

But last year saw 302 physical or verbal assaults on the professionals whose job it is to ensure the safety of all road users by upholding driving standards.

And soaring numbers of attacks in the past five years have resulted in examiners being forced to wear police-style body cameras to carry out the job.

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The statistics were obtained from the DVSA by car repair marketplace ClickMechanic. CEO Andrew Jervis said: “A driving test is a high-pressure situation and learners don’t always receive the pass they were hoping for, which is naturally disappointing.

“However, there is never an excuse to lash out at DVSA employees who should have the right to carry out an important job without fear of physical or verbal attacks.

“Driving examiners do an excellent job of keeping our roads safe by ensuring only those with the required driving proficiency are allowed to hold a valid license.

“It’s vital they are allowed to conduct their duties in the proper manner and that learner drivers remain in control of their emotions through the whole test process.”

DVSA stats show that in the 2024-25 financial year to date, there have been two physical assaults, three attempted physical assaults, 52 verbal assaults and five other assaults from learner drivers on driving examiners.

A physical assault as defined by the licensing body can include when person-to-person contact is made, regardless of whether an injury has occurred, instances where a person is driven at and struck by the vehicle, or if something is thrown at them.

A verbal assault is defined as one that is purely spoken words or gestures, while "other assault" is one that goes beyond verbal abuse but stops short of a physical attack.

The DVSA guidance says: “Examples include damaging furniture, kicking objects in the street, items thrown at staff, attempting to gain access to secure areas or driving off with a DVSA staff member in the vehicle (when intent is not clear)”.

In 2023-24, there were ten physical and 292 verbal assaults, as well as four attempted physical and 29 other assaults.

The previous year saw 12 physical and 221 verbal assaults, while 2021-22 recorded ten physical and 392 verbal assaults.

A 40-minute practical exam is the second part of the driving test process, with learners being required to have passed a theory test beforehand.

The practical exam sees the candidate assessed in five ways: an eyesight test, ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions, general driving ability, reversing the vehicle and independent driving.

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Driving examiners in the UK can expect to earn an average salary of around £31,000.

The DVSA added: “Learners who either verbally or physically assault their driving examiner face the very real possibility of having their record marked.

“This could mean it takes longer to get a future test, because test centre managers may deem them enough of a risk that they need two examiners in the car as a safety precaution. Driving examiners now wear body cameras to ensure their safety.”

Andrew Jervis, from ClickMechanic