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5 days ago | 
driving.org | Adam Trimby
Citroën has issued a Europe-wide ‘stop drive’ recall notice for specific C3 and DS3 models due to a critical airbag safety issue. The DVSA has confirmed its full support for this action, which applies to:All C3 and DS3 vehicles built between 2009 and 2017Some models manufactured between 2018 and 2019As of 20 June 2025, affected vehicles must not be driven under any circumstances – including for instruction or driving tests – until inspected and repaired.
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5 days ago | 
driving.org | Adam Trimby
DIA CEO Carly Brookfield joined BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours on 23 June to raise public awareness of two major challenges affecting learners and instructors across the UK: a surge in social media advertising for obtaining driving licences without a theory or practical test and the ongoing test waiting times crisis.
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5 days ago | 
driving.org | Adam Trimby
Electric vehicle drivers in the UK and Europe could soon benefit from ultra-rapid charging times as Chinese manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) confirms plans to deploy a new network of 1,000kW ‘flash chargers’ across the continent. The rollout is expected to begin within the next 12 months and could significantly cut charging times to just five minutes, similar to refuelling a petrol vehicle.
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1 week ago | 
driving.org | Adam Trimby
An update from DVSADVSA remains committed to reducing driving test waiting times. The average waiting time for a car practical driving test as of the end of May 2025 is: Great Britain – 22.5 weeks Wales – 19.1 weeks Scotland – 21 weeks England – 22.8 weeks The average waiting time is the number of weeks before 10% of tests are available to book. DVSA’s figures for average driving test waiting times remain correct at the time of publication.
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1 week ago | 
drivertrainer.org | Adam Trimby
Smart motorways are proving riskier than conventional ones when it comes to breakdowns, according to new research from Go.Compare car insurance that highlights a rising safety issue for UK drivers and trainers. In 2024, smart motorways recorded 141,149 breakdowns across the network – substantially more than the 110,229 breakdowns reported on traditional motorways. Because smart routes cover fewer miles, the rate of breakdowns per mile was far higher: 316 compared to 75.
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1 week ago | 
drivertrainer.org | Adam Trimby
The AA Driving School has expanded its fleet of electric vehicles, giving instructors more choice and greater flexibility as demand for EV lessons continues to grow. From June, instructors joining the franchise can choose from the Mini Aceman SE, VW ID.3 Pro Hatch or BYD Dolphin Comfort – three popular EVs well-suited to driver training. This move reflects growing learner demand to train in electric vehicles ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.
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1 week ago | 
driving.org | Adam Trimby
New analysis has found that drivers are four times more likely to break down on a smart motorway than a conventional one, raising significant safety concerns for instructors and their pupils. The study, based on a Freedom of Information request submitted by Go.Compare car insurance to National Highways, reveals that in 2024, smart motorways recorded 141,149 breakdowns – despite comprising far fewer miles than conventional motorways, which saw 110,229 breakdowns.
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1 week ago | 
drivertrainer.org | Adam Trimby
Summer driving might feel more relaxed, but for your car, the heat brings stress – and sometimes serious failures. According to a new survey from Vertu, 97% of technicians say the most common issue they deal with in summer is a failing air con system. With tyre blowouts, squeaky brakes and overheating engines also high on the list, it’s important for instructors to help pupils stay prepared – especially ahead of test days or holiday travel.
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1 week ago | 
driving.org | Adam Trimby
The AA Driving School has announced the addition of three new electric vehicles to its fleet, giving franchised instructors a wider choice when selecting their tuition car. From June 2025, franchisees will be able to choose from the Mini Aceman SE, VW ID.3 Pro Hatch, or the BYD Dolphin Comfort – all fully electric models. This marks another step in the AA Driving School’s journey to support instructors in preparing for the UK’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales.
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1 week ago | 
drivertrainer.org | Adam Trimby
Learner drivers across the West of England are finding it “impossible” to book driving tests through official DVSA channels, prompting many to turn to high-cost cancellation apps, according to a new BBC report. While the issue is particularly acute in areas like Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Somerset, the growing demand and system exploitation have nationwide implications for the driver training industry.
