The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) launched today (November 28th) and will oversee vehicle standards.

By doing so, it has replaced two bodies - the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

In June, the Department of Transport (DfT) decided to merge both the DSA and VOSA, since they share a similar range of duties and worked closely together. The new body currently employs around 4,600 staff and will eventually oversee all the original tasks of the previous organisations.

Transport minister Robert Goodwill said: "This decision was made following the motoring services strategy consultation and is a demonstration of the government's commitment to put customers and businesses at the heart of its services."

DfT states the DSA and VOSA will be gradually incorporated into DVSA, with an aim for the process to be completed over the next financial year to help keep costs down. Both the former bodies are currently overseen by chief executive Alastair Peoples, who will now become the chief executive for the singular entity.