VOSA to merge with the DSA

25th July 2013

The services currently provided by the Driving Standards Agency and Vehicle Operator Services Agency will be combined in a single agency from 2014.

The Department for Transport said this would allow for the delivery of the same testing and standards services to drivers and businesses, but with greater efficiency.

“We need to make sure we keep pace with customers' needs and deliver services in a way which is both convenient and cost effective,” Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said.  “By bringing testing and standards services into a single organisation we will make life easier for customers and potentially reduce the fees we charge.”

The two bodies will come under the control of a single chief executive - Alastair Peoples, currently chief exec at VOSA.

The FTA expects an improvement in service and value for money for commercial vehicle operators.  Commenting on the issue, director of policy Karen Dee said: “We can certainly see some potential in the proposed merger – for example if it allows transport managers to check their OCRS scores at the same time as their drivers' DCPC status that would be a big step forward.

However, she added:  “While bringing VOSA and DSA together puts the testing of drivers and vehicles in one place, licensing will still be dealt with by the DVLA.  It is questionable therefore whether the proposals will deliver the improved links between testing and licensing that operators feel are necessary.”