Last week the UK Government announced that driver training and theory tests will restart on Saturday 4 July 2020 in England, with practical driving tests restarting from Wednesday 22 July 2020.
Guidance has been issued on the GOV.UK website for driving test candidates in order to let them know what to expect on the day of their theory or practical driving tests.
What to Expect When Taking a Theory Test?
If you are taking a theory test you should wear a face-covering when you go for your test if you can. You will be asked to remove it briefly so that the test centre staff can check your ID. All staff will wear a face covering (if they can) and gloves. Transparent screens will be used at the reception and floor markings are placed to help keep people 2 metres apart.
You will be provided with hand sanitiser when you arrive and leave and your workstation and chair should be spaced at least 2 metres apart from other people, and be cleaned before every test. You should also enter the test centre alone, to help with social distancing.
What to Expect When Taking a Practical Test?
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot currently book a new driving test if you did not have a test booked before lockdown. Driving tests are being carried out as a priority for people who had their test cancelled because of coronavirus. You can apply for an emergency driving test if you are a keyworker.
The DVSA has introduced a number of social distancing measures and safety precautions, including:
- driving examiners wearing face coverings – they might also choose to wear gloves and use disposable seat covers
- limiting the number of people arriving for a driving test at the same time
- not allowing your driving instructor or supervising driver to sit in the back during your test
The driving test centre waiting room and toilets will be closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. You can still use the toilet if you have a disability, a medical condition or are pregnant.
If you are taking a practical driving test you should not arrive earlier than five minutes before the test is due and you may be asked to wear a face-covering if you are able to. When you arrange your driving test, you’ll need to say if there’s a good reason you cannot wear a face covering when you take your test.
If you have a problem with your face covering during the test, your driving examiner will ask you to stop so you can adjust it. Your driving examiner will end the test early if it becomes a safety issue.
PLEASE NOTE: Your test will be cancelled if you come for your test without a face covering and you did not declare you could not wear one when you arranged your test.
If you make a serious or dangerous fault during your practical test, it will be ended early and the examiner will take you back to the test centre. This is to help minimise the time spent in the car.
You can find full guidance on the Gov.UK website below for
Theory tests: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-theory-tests
Practical tests: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-driving-tests-and-theory-tests
We will be publishing our guidance for driving lessons and intensive courses with APass4U shortly.