The proposal forms part of Burnham’s forthcoming 10-year plan, which aims to reshape government departments and transfer more powers away from Westminster. No formal decision has been made, but the potential merger comes amid criticism of delays affecting both driving agencies.
Government Considers Merging Two Major Driving Agencies
According to The Telegraph, government departments have received a “rewiring the state commission” asking them to identify arm’s-length public bodies that could be abolished, merged or have their responsibilities transferred to regional mayors.
One option under consideration involves combining the DVLA, which manages records for 53 million drivers in Britain, with the DVSA, responsible for overseeing driving tests, vehicle testing and MOTs.
The proposal could bring together two organisations with different responsibilities. The Swansea-based DVLA has issued driving licences since 1965 and maintains driver and vehicle records, while the DVSA oversees practical driving examinations and vehicle testing standards.
The review follows an earlier effort by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to reduce the number of public bodies. In 2025, Starmer announced plans to abolish NHS England, describing the duplication of responsibilities between the organisation and the Department of Health and Social Care as unjustifiable.
That process has proved more complicated than anticipated. The government has announced a new public agency to employ thousands of NHS England staff working in regional teams, while continuing with plans to abolish NHS England by April 2027.
Burnham’s broader programme includes transferring decision-making powers to regional mayors. His 10-year plan is being overseen by Peter Hyman, a former New Labour adviser, and is also expected to address relations with the European Union and social care reform.
Driving Test Backlogs and Licence Delays Add Pressure
Both agencies have faced criticism over delays affecting drivers, although the problems involve different services.
According to The Independent, the DVSA conducted more than 2.13 million practical driving tests during the 12 months to August 2026, the highest rolling annual total recorded by the agency. Despite that figure, some learners have faced waits exceeding six months for a test.
Waiting times have begun to fall, with a Department for Transport source telling The Telegraph that further improvements were expected next year.
Revised booking rules also mean that only learner drivers can book or manage their practical driving tests. Instructors and third-party businesses are no longer permitted to manage bookings using candidates’ details.
Meanwhile, the DVLA has been criticised for repeatedly missing its target of assessing medical fitness to drive within 50 days.
The delays have particular implications for lorry and bus drivers. The agency sends renewal reminders for vocational licences 56 days before expiry, meaning drivers requiring medical checks may still be awaiting a decision when their existing licence expires.
The proposed changes remain under consideration ahead of Burnham’s 10-year plan speech, initially expected before the end of 2026.
According to The Telegraph, the Prime Minister acknowledged that its publication could move into January 2027. Speaking to The Economist, he said: “December or January – I think we will need to leave that open.” No timetable has been announced for a possible DVLA-DVSA merger.
