Tests have been cancelled for months but July sees the return of both theory and practical tests. The DVSA have published information about what's going to change and I've summarised this below.
Theory tests:
These are due to restart on Saturday 4th July.
The change to the case study part of the test that was due to take place in April has NOT happened and there is currently no date for it to do so. The test is as it was before lockdown so you will need to answer questions about a word picture not a video. Please contact me if you have any questions about this.
You will not be able to take anyone into the centre with you.
You'll need to wear a face covering but there are exceptions to this, for example if you have breathing difficulties. Personally, I would recommend taking evidence with you if this is the case, such as you would provide on public transport. Examples of this can be found here.
You will need to remove your face covering so that staff can check your ID. I would advise you take hand sanitiser with you to clean your hands before and after touching the face covering.
You must not attend your test if:
you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms
you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with a person who has coronavirus
you have entered or returned to the UK in the last 14 days, except in very limited situations
In these circumstances you should be self-isolating.
You can change your test free of charge even at short notice (within 3 working days) if you are self-isolating.
If you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 then it is recommended you take your test after 1st August 2020 once shielding measures are paused.
You can find out more information and see how the centres have been changed to be COVID secure here.
Practical tests:
These are due to restart on Wednesday 22nd July. It is not yet known if centres will be running at reduced capacity, I would assume that at least for the first couple of weeks they will as some examiners may still be shielding. The DVSA are limiting the number of tests conducted at a time but it's not yet known if this will affect the overall number of tests that are conducted.
Tests resume only for those who have had tests cancelled since centres shut in March. There is currently no date for tests to be able to be booked for new candidates.
Anyone who had a test cancelled due to COVID-19 will receive an email soon to book a new slot. This will be done in batches and may take some weeks. When you book the test you will need to declare if you are unable to wear a face covering, acceptable reasons can be found here.
We will not be able to use the test centre waiting room or toilets (unless you are pregnant, have a disability or medical condition). If it is raining on the day of your test, I suggest you wear a waterproof coat or bring an umbrella.
Driving examiners will wear face coverings and may wear gloves. They may also use a disposable seat cover.
No one (including me) will be able to accompany you on your test.
If you did not declare that you cannot wear a face covering and turn up without one, your test will be cancelled.
You will need to remove your face covering so that the examiner can check your ID. I would advise you have hand sanitiser with you to clean your hands before and after touching the face covering.
If your face covering becomes a safety issue during the test (e.g. it steams up your glasses), the examiner will end the test early.
If you make a mistake that is considered a serious or a dangerous fault, or you rack up 16 driving faults this would result in a fail. The examiner will then direct you back to the test centre and the test will end early.
You will receive the feedback at the end of the test outside of the car. I will only be able to listen if it's possible to socially distance.
You must not attend your test if:
you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms
you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with a person who has coronavirus
you have entered or returned to the UK in the last 14 days, except in very limited situations
In these circumstances you should be self-isolating.
You can change your test free of charge even at short notice (within 3 working days) if you are self-isolating.
If any of the above should apply to me, you will not be able to rearrange at short notice free of charge. I am discussing arrangements with other instructors about how we can help each other out in this situation.
If you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 then it is recommended you take your test after 1st August 2020 once shielding measures are paused.
You can find the full publication here.
