The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the appointment of Beverley Warmington as the new Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). She will officially take up the role on 5 January 2026.
The appointment follows the decision of Loveday Ryder to step down after leading the agency since January 2021.
Beverley Warmington has been appointed to lead DVSA operations at a critical time, with a strong focus on reducing driving test waiting times and delivering key booking system reforms aimed at improving access for learner drivers.
Her role will centre on implementing the government’s plans to tackle the driving test backlog and ensure learners can book tests fairly and without unnecessary delays.
Beverley brings almost 20 years of public service experience to the role and has an established track record of delivering large-scale operational transformation across government.
Most recently, she served as Area Director for London, Essex and Eastern England at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), where she led a workforce of over 12,000 staff delivering services across multiple sites. Her experience managing complex, high-demand public services is expected to play a key role in driving improvements at DVSA.
Beverley Warmington joins DVSA during a period of sustained pressure on the driving test system. Long waiting times continue to affect learner drivers, limiting access to employment and other opportunities that depend on holding a full driving licence.
Her appointment is seen as a key step in strengthening leadership as DVSA works to stabilise operations and improve service delivery nationwide.
Commenting on the appointment, Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood, highlighted the importance of driving access for individuals and the wider economy.
He stated that driving is more than just transport, describing it as a vital link to jobs and opportunity. He praised Beverley Warmington’s leadership experience and expressed confidence in her ability to take firm control of the driving test backlog and oversee reforms that ensure learners can take their test when they are ready and safe to do so.
Nick Bitel, Chair of DVSA, also welcomed the appointment, describing Beverley’s operational and transformation expertise as a major asset to the agency.
He noted that her experience will support DVSA’s work across driver services, vehicle standards, and enforcement, particularly as the agency continues urgent efforts to reduce driving test waiting times for learners.
The Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, Jo Shanmugalingam, thanked outgoing Chief Executive Loveday Ryder for her leadership over the past five years.
She acknowledged Loveday’s role in guiding DVSA through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and wished her well for the future.
As Chief Executive, Beverley Warmington will lead DVSA’s continued delivery of the government’s 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times, announced in December 2024.
Measures already implemented under the plan include:
As part of wider efforts to improve availability, DVSA has also used overtime pay incentives for examiners, resulting in almost 75,000 additional driving tests being carried out between June and November 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
These measures are expected to continue supporting progress while longer-term reforms are implemented.
Beverley Warmington will officially assume her role on 5 January 2026, taking over leadership of DVSA as the agency continues its work to modernise services, improve fairness in test booking, and reduce waiting times for learner drivers across the UK.
New DVSA Chief Executive named to tackle driving test backlog – official GOV.UK press release, published 17 December 2025.
