I am writing as an aspiring Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) concerned by the rigid two-year time limit on completing the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualification—especially given the systemic delays in test availability.

Recent data shows:

Over 19,000 people applied to start the ADI qualification process in 2024–25—a 17% increase from the previous year and 152% higher than in 2018–19.

Many trainees are experiencing delays of up to nine months just to take Parts 2 and 3, due to a shortage of examiners.

The national average waiting time for instructor tests stands at 21.3 weeks. [driving.org]
Meanwhile, 70% of ADIs report being closed to new pupils, and 63% maintain waiting lists, underlining both frustration and unmet demand.

These striking figures highlight a clear mismatch: demand for new instructors is surging, yet system capacity is failing to keep pace. Maintaining a strict two-year qualification window under these conditions forces many dedicated candidates to restart, paying again for training and tests—which is both unfair and wasteful.

I respectfully ask you to bring this matter to the attention of the Department for Transport. Possible reforms could include:

1. Extending the two-year deadline for completing qualification Parts 2 and 3;
2. Introducing grace extensions for those unable to book tests within the early window due to DVSA delays.
3. Encouraging urgent expansion of DVSA examiner capacity.

These changes would help retain qualified trainees, reduce unnecessary repetition, and help alleviate the instructor shortages that are significantly impacting learners and the wider economy.

Thank you for your time and advocacy. I would value any update on your actions regarding this issue.