Planning

T3 - Test Centre Network (TCN) - All Regions

DRIVER AND VEHICLE STANDARDS AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

23 May 2025 at 13:21

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is currently in the planning stage for a tender titled "T3 - Test Centre Network (TCN) - All Regions," focusing on the continuity of services for the statutory Theory Test within the UK. This procurement process is categorised under driving-test services and involves significant development and innovation opportunities. The DVSA, a central government public authority based in Bristol, is preparing to launch a formal procurement process, with future notices anticipated after April 2026. The planned contract period is from September 2028 to September 2033, with a potential extension to 2035, encompassing all regions across the UK.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in service provision, especially those capable of delivering innovative and adaptable driving-test services. With a potential total value of up to £420 million GBP, there is ample room for growth and collaboration, particularly for SMEs and VCSEs, given its designation as suitable for such entities. Companies with expertise in developing flexible, technology-driven solutions in response to evolving market and societal needs will find this tender well-aligned with their capacities and strategic objectives.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

T3 - Test Centre Network (TCN) - All Regions

Notice Description

Please note that this is a UK1 Pipeline Notice. This is not a PIN or call for pre-market engagement/competition. As this is a pipeline notice, there is no guarantee that a tender opportunity will result from this. Should a tender opportunity materialise, further notices will be published in relation to this. The DVSA seeks to secure continuity of service for the statutory Theory Test beyond the expiration of current Test Centre Network (TCN) and Test Assessment Platform (TTAP) agreements. As a statutory obligation, the Theory Test is a crucial component of driver licence acquisition in the UK. The DVSA aims to leverage the opportunity to develop a service that can flexibly pivot and innovate in response and in advance of technological and social changes. Values and contract durations included in this notice are based on current contractual arrangements and are only indicative of potential future values and durations, and will be subject to change as informed by business requirements and market engagement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05230c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/026489-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80411100 - Driving-test services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£350,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 May 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Apr 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Sep 2028 - 3 Sep 2033 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DRIVER AND VEHICLE STANDARDS AGENCY
Contact Name
Theory Test Category Team
Contact Email
commercialenquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS5 0DA
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK51 Bristol, City of
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Bristol, City of
Electoral Ward
Lawrence Hill
Westminster Constituency
Bristol East

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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