The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has appointed Malcolm Dawson as its new interim chief executive.

Mr Dawson had previously been employed as the chief executive of Land Registry and has held numerous posts within the public sector.

He is essentially "on loan" from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and this role will last for around six months.

The DVLA - like many other government bodies - is facing a challenging time at the moment, as it looks to digitise its services and make it easier for motorists to update their driving licences.

At the end of 2012, there were 34.5 million vehicles licensed for use on the UK's roads - with 28.7 million of these being cars - which highlights the enormity of the task facing Mr Dawson.

However, the Department for Transport's permanent secretary Philip Rutnam thinks his strong background of leading government agencies will stand Mr Dawson in good stead.

"This extensive experience will be very valuable at the DVLA as the agency continues to transform the services it offers to motorists," he remarked.