The Government has launched an independent review of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure it evolves for the future.

The review will ensure the DVSA continues to evolve as new technology is rolled out on UK roads

The Department for Transport said the review would help understand how the DVSA can continue to improve, evolve with vehicle technology and keep Britain moving safely and sustainably.

With the rise of new vehicle technology and automated vehicles, the review will also ensure the DVSA continues to evolve as new technology is rolled out on UK roads.

The DVSA carries out driving tests, undertaking roadside checks and approving people and centres to carry out MOTs.

The review will assess the DVSA on four pillars – efficiency, efficacy, accountability and governance – to ensure it “remains well placed to keep vehicles and drivers safe”.

Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “The DVSA plays a crucial role in making sure road users get around safely and with confidence, helping learners pass their driving tests and giving drivers peace of mind by ensuring MOTs are carried out to exceptional standards.

“This review will help us understand how the DVSA can continue to improve, evolving alongside vehicle technology and keeping Britain moving safely and sustainably.”

The review will also assess how DVSA works with its wide range of stakeholders within and outside of government.

It’s part of a wider government programme looking into the effectiveness and efficiency of public bodies.

The review will be led by an external independent lead reviewer, Sarika Patel.

She is a non-executive director at the Office for Nuclear Regulation with extensive private and public sector business experience and was appointed by the Transport Secretary.

DVSA non-executive chair Nick Bitel said: “Our vision to 2030 sets out our aim to keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably.

“Supported by our professional and dedicated colleagues, we’re taking a service-led, customer-focused approach to the way we work, modernising and transforming our services to make them even better and more efficient, helping meet the needs of our customers and make road transport safer, greener and healthier.

“These regular, independent reviews of public sector bodies are always helpful, and we value the opportunity to highlight our achievements and build on them, as we work towards achieving our vision for the future.”

Last year saw the DVSA publish its vision to 2030, setting out its work to ensure road transport is greener and safer. The document sets out five key challenges that the agency is working to address with its partners. These include making roads safer; improving services for its customers; making road transport greener and healthier; harnessing the potential of technology and data, and finally to grow and level up the economy. The vision recognises that electric and self-driving vehicles, along with connected vehicles and roads, will help protect from injury, death, pollution and climate change. It also seeks to transform services to be more efficient and simpler to use.

The independent review is expected to conclude this summer.