Military step in to tackle test backlog

MILITARY driving examiners are to be mobilised to cut the test backlog for civilians, the UK Government has announced.

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Up to 6,500 more tests will be made available over the next year at locations with the highest demand, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.

Thirty-six defence driving examiners (DDEs) will conduct public tests one day a week for 12 months.

DDEs are civil servants at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) who usually test service personnel.

The DfT said deploying them to public test centres will “benefit both parties” as it will keep their “skills sharp” while also tackling the backlog.