Require dual controls on every UK practical driving test - safer examiners, Safer roads
The Issue
As driving instructors and business owners in the North East of England, we have seen first-hand how the current rules put driving examiners at unnecessary risk every day.
Learners can take their practical test in a private or family car with no dual controls, meaning the examiner has no pedals to brake or clutch if a dangerous mistake happens. They are left helpless — often only able to shout warnings or grab the wheel, which is frequently too late to prevent harm.
Examiners also regularly have to refuse tests when private cars arrive unfit for the test (for example: faulty tyres, dashboard warning lights, expired MOT or tax) — or simply because they feel unsafe without dual controls. These safety-based refusals can trigger verbal abuse or even physical attacks from frustrated candidates or their families.
These refusals also waste valuable test slots.
With driving test waiting times at an all-time high, we can ill afford to lose appointments due to unsafe vehicles or the lack of dual controls.
Recent figures (BBC & DVSA data, 2025):
Over 1,600 cases of verbal abuse and 70 physical assaults on examiners between 2020 and 2025.
This is unacceptable. Examiners are professionals dedicated to road safety — they should not have to risk their lives or face abuse just to do their job.
A practical solution
Make dual-controlled vehicles mandatory for all practical driving tests.
Learners could:
Use an approved instructor’s car, or
Hire a dual-control vehicle from companies such as Arnold Clark, who already rent suitable cars from around £18 per hour.
Many other countries already do this to prioritise examiner safety. Requiring dual controls would:
Reduce dangerous situations
Cut refusals and wasted test slots
Lower abuse risks
Ensure fairer tests
Help produce safer drivers on UK roads
Please sign and share to urge the DVSA and the government to make this change now.
Examiners deserve protection — not danger.
Thank you for supporting safer driving.
Stephanie Longstaff
Owner, Optimus Drive Driving School
North East of England
📧 stephanie@optimusdrive.co.uk
📞 0191 925 0676
Mark Howard
Owner, Driver Training Services
North East of England
📞 07514 811022
1,101
The Issue
As driving instructors and business owners in the North East of England, we have seen first-hand how the current rules put driving examiners at unnecessary risk every day.
Learners can take their practical test in a private or family car with no dual controls, meaning the examiner has no pedals to brake or clutch if a dangerous mistake happens. They are left helpless — often only able to shout warnings or grab the wheel, which is frequently too late to prevent harm.
Examiners also regularly have to refuse tests when private cars arrive unfit for the test (for example: faulty tyres, dashboard warning lights, expired MOT or tax) — or simply because they feel unsafe without dual controls. These safety-based refusals can trigger verbal abuse or even physical attacks from frustrated candidates or their families.
These refusals also waste valuable test slots.
With driving test waiting times at an all-time high, we can ill afford to lose appointments due to unsafe vehicles or the lack of dual controls.
Recent figures (BBC & DVSA data, 2025):
Over 1,600 cases of verbal abuse and 70 physical assaults on examiners between 2020 and 2025.
This is unacceptable. Examiners are professionals dedicated to road safety — they should not have to risk their lives or face abuse just to do their job.
A practical solution
Make dual-controlled vehicles mandatory for all practical driving tests.
Learners could:
Use an approved instructor’s car, or
Hire a dual-control vehicle from companies such as Arnold Clark, who already rent suitable cars from around £18 per hour.
Many other countries already do this to prioritise examiner safety. Requiring dual controls would:
Reduce dangerous situations
Cut refusals and wasted test slots
Lower abuse risks
Ensure fairer tests
Help produce safer drivers on UK roads
Please sign and share to urge the DVSA and the government to make this change now.
Examiners deserve protection — not danger.
Thank you for supporting safer driving.
Stephanie Longstaff
Owner, Optimus Drive Driving School
North East of England
📧 stephanie@optimusdrive.co.uk
📞 0191 925 0676
Mark Howard
Owner, Driver Training Services
North East of England
📞 07514 811022
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Petition created on 24 January 2026