Driving examiners will go on strike for two days on the same day new test is launched

Examiners are to go on strike as new test is launched in December
PA
Ella Wills16 November 2017

Driving examiners are to stage a 48-hour strike the day a new driving test is launched, in a dispute over working conditions.

The Public and Commercial Service union (PCS) warned that thousands of driving tests will be affected and said up to 2,000 of its members will take part in the walkout on December 4.

DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn condemned the strike action, saying it "shows a shameful disregard for both road safety and learner drivers".

Changes to the driving test include asking learners to follow directions from a sat nav and driving into a parking space.

Learner drivers will have to prove they can safely use sat navs 
PA

The union said examiners were being told to work longer, harder and for no extra pay when the new tests are introduced.

Union members voted by 84 per cent in favour of strikes on a 70 per cent turnout.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Ministers can avoid this strike action by instructing their officials in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to scrap the plans and re-enter serious negotiations with PCS."

The driving test is being modified in a bid to ensure learners are better prepared for real-life driving conditions.

Candidates will now be asked to follow directions on a sat nav instead of following road signs, replacing manoeuvres such as reversing with driving into a parking bay, and asking a vehicle safety question while the candidate is driving, such as how to use the rear heated screen.

The union has called for the new test to be suspended pending a full safety review, and wants a limit of six tests a day for examiners.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "We support the new driving test which is keeping would-be-drivers up with the times and we understand the Government has sought independent analysis to prove it is safe."

DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: "The fact PCS is trying to undermine the launch of the new test by calling for strike action shows a shameful disregard for both road safety and learner drivers who have worked so hard to be ready to take their test.

"The new driving test has been designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving."

He said that he had met with the union on November 2 but they turned down his offer of mediation.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The unions voted through these changes two years ago and we find it unacceptable that they are still trying to frustrate the implementation of agreed terms and conditions."

An overtime ban and work to rule will also be held, from November 23, which the union said could lead tests being cancelled across England, Wales and Scotland.