Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving tests and theory tests
Theory tests are suspended for one month, and driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months due to coronavirus – but tests are available for critical workers.
Last updated 20 March 2020 — see all updates
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Applies to:
England, Scotland, and Wales
Contents
Stay up to date
This page tells you about driving test or theory test suspensions due to coronavirus (COVID-19). It will be updated if anything changes.
Why driving and theory tests are being suspended
Driving and theory tests are being suspended due to the coronavirus illness.
The suspension lasts:
- up to and including 20 April 2020 for theory tests
- for up to 3 months for driving tests
This applies to all types of theory tests, driving tests and approved driving instructor (ADI) standards checks.
If your test was cancelled at short notice
You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expensesif your:
- theory test was due to take place on or before Monday 23 March 2020
- driving test was due to take place on or before Tuesday 24 March 2020
Theory tests
Theory tests are suspended up to and including 20 April 2020.
You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been cancelled.
You’ll automatically get a refund. You’ll get an email to confirm this has been done – this may take a few weeks to arrive.
You’ll then have to book a new theory test for a date and time after 20 April 2020 that suits you.
You can still book, change or cancel tests for 21 April 2020 onwards.
Driving tests
Driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months.
You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been rebooked. It will tell you the new date and time of your test.
You will not get this email immediately – it should arrive around 2 weeks before your original test date.
In the meantime, do not call the DVSA customer service centre. They will not be able to help you.
It’s likely that your new test date will be around 3 months after your original date.
If you want to cancel your test
You can cancel your test if you want to get a full refund now. Email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to request this.
You need to include your full name and 2 of the following pieces of information:
- your driving licence number
- your theory test pass certificate number
- your driving test booking reference
DVSA customer services
You cannot book a future driving test date
If you have not booked a driving test, you’ll be unable to do so at the moment.
When driving tests start again, priority will be given to people who had their test cancelled. This means you will have to wait longer than usual.
Check back for the latest updates.
If your theory test certificate expires soon
Legally, your theory test certificate cannot be extended in any circumstances.
You’ll need to book and pay to take another theory test.
You need to pass this before you can book your driving test.
Book an emergency test if you’re a critical worker
You can still get an emergency test during the suspension period if your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in a critical sector. These include:
- health and social care
- education and childcare
- key public services
- local and national government
- food and other necessary goods
- public safety and national security
- transport
- utilities, communication and financial services
Book an emergency theory test
Email DVSA to ask for an emergency theory test. DVSA will then tell you what you need to send to prove that it’s essential your theory test goes ahead.
Emergency theory tests
Book an emergency driving test
Email DVSA to ask for an emergency driving test. DVSA will then tell you what you need to send to prove that it’s essential your driving test goes ahead.
Emergency driving tests
Solutions fo business owners/self employed
Breaking News – From Governments 5 o’clock announcement
Businesses that are not essential including offices, restaurants, cafes, pubs must close immediately and stay closed until given more information
Restaurants can provide a take out option but the business must stay closed to customers
Clubs, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres and other types of businesses of this nature must close immediately and stay closed until further notice
Via HMRC Grant’s – Job retention scheme ALL businesses will be eligible – 80% of wages up to £2,400 per person. This can be claimed from March 1st and will cover 3 months worth of wages
Loan scheme interest free for 12 months applications open on Monday
No business will need to pay VAT Bill’s until the end of June and you will have till the end of the financial year to pay your VAT Bill
Nurserys will not have to pay business rates for 2020/2021 financial year
Universal Credit standard limit has been increased by £1000 per year
Working tax credit will be extended by £1000 per year
Self employed can now access statutory sick pay
Next self assessment for self employed has been deferred until 2021
We are living in unprecedented times but sending you all the very best for the weekend from everyone at udrive plus driving school
Udrive plus driving school take health and safety very seriously, and we will ensure any driving lessons conducted are safe , compliant to governance and appropriate. Find us on Facebook , snap, Watsapp.in the meantime take care of each other
previous Blog posts
