C1.8 DVLA and DVSA

DVLA	DVSA
https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla	https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvsa
Full Name	Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency	Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Function	Administrative Body	Standards and Safety Enforcement Body
Analogy	Similar to China's "Vehicle   Management Office" (车管所)	A combination similar to China's   "Vehicle Management Exam Department" (车管所考试科), "Vehicle Inspection Station" (车辆检测站), and "Transport Regulation Bureau" (运输监管局)
Main Responsibilities	• Issue and manage driving licences   • Vehicle registration (Issue V5C Log Book)   • Collect vehicle tax (Road Tax)   • Maintain driver and vehicle databases   • Process changes of vehicle ownership	• Conduct theory and practical driving   tests   • Approve and manage driving instructors   • Set and oversee driving standards   • Conduct and regulate MOT tests (ensuring vehicle safety & environmental   standards)   • Regulate the safety of commercial vehicles (e.g., lorries, buses)
Primary Clientele	All general drivers and vehicle owners	Learner drivers, professional drivers,   driving instructors, vehicle testing organisations
Service Examples	• Apply for your first provisional   licence   • Renew your photocard licence   • Pay road tax   • Declare a vehicle as off the road (SORN)   • Change licence or vehicle registration details	• Book and take theory/practical tests   • Check a driving instructor's qualifications   • Manage MOT testing stations   • Take action against non-compliant instructors or test centres
Simple Summary	Manages "who you are" and "who   owns the vehicle" (Responsible for identity, ownership, and   taxation)	Manages "how well you   drive" and "if your vehicle is safe" (Responsible   for standards, safety, and competence)

DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)

The DVSA primarily conducts driving tests, approves people to become driving instructors and MOT testers, conducts tests to ensure lorries and buses are safe to drive, performs roadside checks on drivers and vehicles, and monitors vehicle recalls. It employs approximately 4,600 people across Great Britain, including: Driving Examiners, Vehicle Standards Assessors, Vehicle Examiners, Traffic Commissioners, Customer Service Agents, Registration and Licensing Officers, Digital Service and Technology specialists, and Corporate Services professionals (e.g., in communications, finance, and HR).

 

The DVSA is responsible for:

• Conducting theory and practical driving tests for those wishing      to drive cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses, coaches, and specialist      vehicles.

• Approving people to become driving instructors and motorcycle      trainers, and ensuring they provide high-quality training.

• Approving people to become MOT testers, approving the centres      where they work, and testing lorries, buses, and coaches.

• Conducting roadside checks on commercial drivers to ensure they      follow safety rules and that vehicles are safe to drive.

• Monitoring recalls for cars, parts, and accessories to ensure      manufacturers fix problems quickly.

• Approving training courses for qualified drivers, such as the      Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for lorry, bus, and      coach drivers, and drink-drive rehabilitation courses.

• Supporting the UK and Northern Ireland Traffic Commissioners in      licensing and overseeing companies that operate lorries, buses, and      coaches, and registering local bus services.

 

In summary: The DVLA deals with licensing, such as issuing driving licences and vehicle registrations, whereas the DVSA deals with standards, such as conducting driving tests and vehicle inspections.