With more than 668,000 learners currently awaiting a practical driving test, Envoy Tyres brand ambassador Paul Cowland is calling on new drivers to prioritise tyre safety from day one, not just for the exam, but for life.
A record backlog of learner drivers awaiting their practical driving test has prompted a fresh warning from one of the UK’s best-known motoring figures. Paul Cowland, brand ambassador for Envoy Tyres, is urging the more than 668,000 drivers currently in the queue to get to grips with three essential tyre checks — and to treat them as a lifelong habit rather than a tick-box exercise ahead of their test.
Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that, as of the end of September, 668,128 people had a practical driving test booked in the UK, a staggering 15 per cent increase on the 579,138 waiting a year earlier. With waiting times now exceeding 20 weeks, many learners are spending considerable time behind the wheel before they sit an official assessment.
“Tyres keep you safe on the road, yet learner drivers often focus more on manoeuvres and road rules. It’s important to remember that tyre safety is just as crucial. Knowing how to check pressures, tread, and overall condition isn’t just for the test — it’s a lifelong habit that protects you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.” Paul Cowland, Brand Ambassador, Envoy Tyres
Cowland notes that whilst learner drivers quite rightly devote much of their attention to mastering manoeuvres and learning the Highway Code, the basics of tyre maintenance are often overlooked. He recommends that every driver — learner or experienced — carries out three checks regularly.
The UK’s minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, measured across three-quarters of the width of the tyre. A simple and widely recommended method is the 20p coin test. Insert a 20p coin into the tyre’s main tread groove: if the outer band of the coin disappears from view, the tread is at a legal depth. If the band remains visible, the tyre may be at or below the legal limit and should be inspected by a professional without delay.
Cowland advises checking tyre pressures when the tyres are cold — ideally before setting off — using a pressure gauge or a pump with a built-in gauge. Correct pressures are typically found in the vehicle’s handbook or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame. This is also directly relevant to the driving test: examiners may ask learners to locate and explain the correct tyre pressure as part of the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
Before every journey, drivers should inspect each tyre visually for signs of damage. Cuts, bulges, or tears in the sidewall or tread surface can compromise a tyre’s structural integrity and should be treated as a safety concern requiring immediate professional attention.
With the driving test backlog showing little sign of easing, there is every reason for learners to use the extended waiting period productively. Understanding the basics of tyre safety not only improves a driver’s chances at test, but lays the foundation for responsible vehicle ownership for years to come.
Cowland concluded: “A little preparation goes a long way. With these checks in place, you’ll be well-placed for your test — and, more importantly, ready to keep yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe for the rest of your driving life.”
Tagged with: tyre safety, learner drivers, driving test backlog, tyre pressure, tread depth, 20p tyre test, tyre maintenance, road safety, DVSA waiting times, tyre damage checks, MOT tyre rules, UK tyre legislation
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