Official launch for Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) was officially launched today, following a gradual rollout of the name since its initial announcement last year.

The DVSA is a newly merged government agency employing over 4,000 staff. It combines the functions of the former Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA), which handled enforcement and vehicle testing, and the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), which was responsible for setting driver and vehicle standards.

The launch event was hosted by roads minister Stephen Hammond at the DVSA Training Academy in Cardington near Bedford.

Said Hammond: “The creation of DVSA builds on the vital work that has already been done to improve road safety and offer modern, cost effective services for motorists. The merged agency offers the opportunity to increase efficiency and further explore ways of providing innovative, convenient services.”

DVSA chief executive, Alastair Peoples, who had formerly been responsible for heading both VOSA and the DSA, added: “By bringing testing and standards services into a single agency we will make life easier for customers by putting them at the heart of the services they rely on and providing a more coherent approach to service delivery.”