Rise in L-drivers who attack test examiner

DRIVING test examiners could be given body cameras following attacks by failed candidates.

Around 240 incidents of physical or verbal abuse were reported last year – up from approximately 180 in 2015, the Driver and Vehicle Standards agency (DVSA) said.

Attacks on all staff – including vehicle testers and roadside enforcement officers – rose by around 50 per cent to more than 300 over the same period. The DVSA has launched a crackdown as a result, including trialling body cameras for front-line staff.

They will initially be given to roadside workers but could be rolled out to include driving test examiners if they prove effective, the agency said. Cameras are already used by many police forces to record their officers’ interactions with the public.

The DVSA also pledged to make abusive learner drivers take their next test elsewhere and to refer all incidents of threats and physical assault to the police.

DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: ‘We do not tolerate anyone abusing, threatening or assaulting them. Whatever has happened, don’t take it out on our staff. If you do, we’ll press for the strongest possible penalties.’