The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has suspended driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales for up to 3 months from today (Saturday).
The decision has been made to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as tests lead to extended contact between candidates and examiners in vehicles.
Motorcycle tests are also being suspended.
The news will come as a blow to those who have spent weeks or months learning to drive, but the suspension of tests will give those individuals longer to practice – should driving instructors decide to continue working.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“We are having to take big decisions to protect the public in our national battle against COVID-19. Regrettably, we have had to suspend driver testing for up to 3 months to help tackle the spread of the virus.
“It is vital that those who need a test can get one so DVSA is offering tests to those who have a critical need, such as the NHS and drivers delivering goods across the UK.
“Those who have tests cancelled will have priority when testing resumes”.
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The tests being suspended include:
- car driving tests
- motorcycle tests
- lorry, coach and bus driving tests
- approve driving instructor (ADI) tests and checks
DVSA will contact everyone with a test booked during this time to let them know their test has been cancelled and that it will automatically re-book for them.
The decision will be kept under review.
In addition to suspending driving tests, the DVSA has suspended MOTs for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) for up to 3 months.
All HGV and PSV vehicles with an MOT will be issued with a 3-month certificate of temporary exemption (CTE) until further notice.
Vehicles must be maintained, kept safe to drive (roadworthy) and operate within the terms of operators’ licence conditions.
The Department for Transport continues to keep MOT testing for other vehicles under review and will provide an update in due course.
The last time a similar situation arose (not a health issue) during the fuel rationing in 1956/7 ‘L’ drivers were allowed to drive without a licensed person with them !!!
My theory is finishing in 12th April what will happen
According to the gov. Uk website u will have to do it again its all wrong this is a disgrace.
My theory test expired on this 8th April…and I had months of practice on my driving…I had test in this 27 March Friday ..which being cancelled…its not Fair
..plus why we have to retake the theory and plus we need to pay the fees??? Who can justify this?? I appreciate if DVSA can justify a d provide us reasonable
answers.
I simply want compensations for months of practices. Or let me sit in my practical test.
me too butt rebook 21 april
Unfortunately I think you need to do it again.
I was meant to have my test again this Friday..I have the same problem my theory runs out in may
My motorcycle module 2 is supposed to be on Tuesday 24th March 2020. I am test ready for my full motorcycle licence my theory expires 21 June cbt also expires 30 of June so if this carry on your telling me I will have to start from square one and not even be able to ride a 125cc bike when I am test ready for a 600cc? If so this is ridiculous talk about not punishing the people tests are off for 3 months but theory tests only 1 month how does that work that’s a test centre full of people while driving tests are 1 on 1? Sounds stupid to me if that’s the way the dvsa think thes not a brain amongst them all the money and effort people have put in to be told just to do it all again is a disgrace.
I thought we were supposed to be social distancing. Isn’t that why the tests have been cancelled? So why would the DVSA then make a mockery of this by telling you that it’s ok to be sitting beside an instructor to be getting more practice!!!!!!
The other thing is that there is no need to cancel bike tests. I’m sure that there would be a way to check paperwork without direct contact. The examiner doesn’t sit in close proximity to the student and is in a different vehicle.
Go figure!!!!
I have my test which is supposed to be done on the 4/05 cancelled as my theory test expires in 08/08/20 and I am a nurse who need a car to take to work. My instructor does want to do more lessons and I finding it hard to get a new instructor cos most of them are heeding to social distancing. This is really hard but at the same time I know it is the best way to handle this crisis (pandemic).
My second test cancelled in 2 mnths joke but i can still have lessons dosnt make sense gutted
My CBT has just expired. I have been identified as a key worker. Can i still ride if test centres are closed?
I’m in the same position as you, my CBT test has been cancelled and I’m a key worker, I’ve been riding for years.
This is what I need to know as well as I am a key worker as well and with out my bike I carnt get to work as its to far away
If you find out let me know!!
If you find out let me know!!
Same here I was booked in for tomorrow to renew my cbt but got cancelled
My cbt for me to ride my motorbike runs out in June what happens if I carnt re sit it
Mine runs out next month my cbt
I a key worker
It’s up for renewal after 2 years
Surely we should be granted extension
Not like we novices been on the road
For 2 years
What will happen when my CBT certificate expires?
means you have to wait until all this virus things clears up, and do it then, if it has exipred, im sorry. if you got a full licence you can drive a 50cc until then. if you passed your cbt. while you got your full licence.