[Important Update] Car Driving Test is Changing...

The DVSA have announced updates and new procedures for the car driving tests. 

In this post we'll answer the following questions:

Who is this article for?

Is the car driving test changing?

Can I book a driving test?

When will the car driving tests resume?

What safety precautions will be in place?

If you make a mistake during the test?

When must you not come for a driving test?

When will driving lessons restart in Leicester?

Who is this for?

If you've attempted a driving test before (and haven't been successful) or it's your first attempt, you NEED to read this!

Is the car driving test changing?

No, the car driving test isn't changing. However the DVSA have put in place new social distancing and safety precautions in place. Learner drivers and driving instructors need to be fully aware of these changes. 

When will car driving tests resume?

Car driving tests are will restart from the 22nd July 2020 - These driving tests will only for those people who had their driving test cancelled because of the coronavirus to begin with. 

ADI Part 2 & Part 3 tests will restart from 22nd July 2020

ADI Part 3 and Standards check restart date hasn't been confirmed

Critical worker and driving test

You can apply for an emergency car driving test if you are a critical worker. Apply for an emergency driving test. Key worker and need driving lessons? Call our key worker hotline on 0116 4300136 or you can book your driving lessons here

Booking a new driving test?

Currently you cannot book a new driving test. Driving tests will be prioritised for those people who's driving test was cancelled due to the coronavirus. 

If your driving test was cancelled, DVSA will send you an email inviting you to book and choose your preferred date and time. 

You can sign up for email alerts to find out when you can book a driving test. 

When you come for your driving test? (SUPER IMPORTANT)

• Do NOT arrive more than5 minutes before your driving test appointment time
• Driving test centre waiting room and toilets will be closed. However, you'll be able to use the toilet if you have a disability, medial condition or pregnant. 

What safety precautions will be in place?

DVSA has introduced social distancing and safety precautions.

• driving examiners wearing face coverings. They might choose to wear gloves and use disposable seat covers
• not allowing your driving instructor or supervising driver to sit in the back during the test

Your driving 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 the test. 

You will need to remove your face covering briefly so the driving examiner can check your ID. 

The Gov.uk website tells you how to wear and make a cloth face covering.

Wearing a face covering

You must bring and wear a face covering when attending your driving test, unless you have a good reason not to. This includes if:

• you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
• putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
• you need to remove it during your test to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others

You need to say if you a good reason not to wear a mask when booking your driving test appointment. 

If you make a mistake during test

You can carry on if you make a mistake on the driving test. 

If you make a serious or dangerous fault, which results in a fail, your driving examiner will direct you back to the driving test centre. This is to minimise the amount of time you need to spend in the vehicle. 

When you must not come for your driving test

You must not come for your driving 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

You have to stay home (self-isolate). 

Change your driving test appointment if you need to self-isolate on the day of your driving test.

You can do this free of charge if you’re self-isolating, including if you do it at short notice (within 3 clear working days of the test).

If you’re classed as clinically extremely vulnerable from coronavirus

If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable, you should have received a letter telling you that you’re in this group or have been told by your GP.

DVSA recommends that you take your driving test after 1 August 2020, when shielding will be paused.

When will driving lessons restart in Leicester?

Driving lessons were set to restart from 4th July 2020. However, Leicester has gone back into lockdown so we expect to resume driving lessons late July. 

To reserve your place get in touch.

 Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-driving-tests-and-theory-tests#during-your-driving-test