Driving tests resume: Will tests look different post-coronavirus?

Driving examiners must wear face coverings

Driving tests have resumed in England after thousands of people were forced to delay their tests due to the coronavirus outbreak.

While driving lessons were able to resume from Saturday 4 July, today (Wednesday 22 July) marks the first day that driving tests can take place.

However, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that some changes will be implemented to ensure the tests can be carried out safely and in line with government guidelines.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking a driving test post-lockdown.

What if my driving test was cancelled?

If your driving test was cancelled due to the lockdown, the DVSA should have sent you an email with a new date and time for your test.

The government website states that it might take several weeks for emails to be sent out due to how many driving tests were cancelled.

Can I book a new driving test now?

If you did not have a test booked before lockdown, you cannot book one now.

This is because of a backlog of tests booked prior to lockdown that need to be rescheduled.

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

What do I need to know before arriving for my test?

You must ensure that your vehicle is fully cleaned prior to the driving test.

The examiner will arrive with an antiviral wipe to clean the passenger door and anything else they touch inside the vehicle.

The DVSA also advises people not to arrive more than five minutes prior to their test to avoid crowds of people loitering.

The driving test centre waiting room will also be closed, but toilets are available on request.

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Yes, all those with a driving test scheduled will need to arrive wearing a face covering in line with the government guidelines. Your examiner will also be wearing a face covering.

If you have a good reason for not being able to wear a face covering, such as having a physical impairment or disability, you are required to declare this prior to your test.

The list of exemptions to wearing a face covering include:

• 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

What if I have an issue with my face covering during the test?

If you need to readjust your face covering during your test, let your driving examiner know and they will ask you to stop so you can adjust it.

If for any reason the face covering becomes a safety issue, your examiner will end the test early.

What if I make a mistake during my test?

Unlike in normal circumstances, when an examiner does not reveal whether or not you have passed your test until the very end, now examiners will be able to end tests early if you make a major mistake that means you have failed.

This is to minimise the amount of time you need to spend in the vehicle, the DVSA states.

What happens at the end of the test?

You will be asked to get out of the vehicle and your examiner will give your test result and feedback there as opposed to inside the car.

Again, this is to minimise the amount of time spent in the vehicle.

In which circumstances should I not attend a driving test?

If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, you must not attend your test.

Likewise, if you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone with coronavirus, or have returned to the UK from a country that is not on the government’s list of countries with travel corridors.

In these instances, the DVSA advises you to self-isolate and to change your driving test appointment, which you can do free of charge within three working days of the test.