Driving tests in England are restarting from the 22nd of July for learners who have had their tests cancelled due to coronavirus, the DVSA will have given new dates (for some learners, a few times over the past few months), but the latest changes to bookings will not go ahead, you will instead have to choose a new date and time online when the DVSA emails you. This will ensure that you are given priority as the booking system will not be open to the public at that time, so if you did not have one booked before March 20th, you will need to wait until learners who have had theirs cancelled book theirs first before you can.
Changes to the booking system
When you choose your new test date, if you cannot wear a face covering for any reason during the test, you will need to declare it when you book your appointment. If you do not and you turn up to the test without a face covering, your test will be cancelled. (You will need to remove the covering briefly for ID).
Reasons the DVSA will accept for not wearing a face covering:
- Putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you distress.
- You need to remove it during your test to avoid injury/harm to yourself or others.
- You have a disability, illness or impairment which means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering.
Changes to driving tests
- Do not arrive more than 5 minutes before your test start time.
- Toilets and facilities, such as the waiting room at test centres will be unavailable (toilets will only be available to those who are pregnant, have a disability or medical condition).
- Driving instructors or supervising drivers will not be able to sit in the back of the car during your test.
- Driving examiners will wear face coverings, with the choice to also wear gloves and disposable seat covers.
- Change in the limit of the number of people arriving for a driving test at the same time.
- At the end of your test, you will be given your test results once you exit the vehicle. Your driving instructor can accompany you if it’s safe to do so to hear your results and feedback.
Do not come to your test if:
- You or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms.
- The NHS has contacted you via the Test and Trace service to inform you that you have recently been in contact with someone who has coronavirus.
- You have entered the UK in the last 14 days.
In this instance, you need to self-isolate at home and change your driving test on the day of your test. You are able to do this free of charge (the 3 days clear working day notice is not applicable if you are self-isolating).
More information can be found on the official Gov website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-driving-tests-and-theory-tests#wearing-a-face-covering