DVSA confirms it is cancelling more driving tests as lockdown continues

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has said that it is cancelling almost all practical and theory driving tests for at least another two weeks as England remains under lockdown conditions.

The agency first announced in January that it was suspending driving tests across England as the country entered a new six-week period of lockdown. At the time it said only that the suspension would last until restrictions were lifted.

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However, in a new update, the DVSA has confirmed that all tests scheduled up to and including 24 February are being cancelled ahead of any update on changes to lockdown restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously said he would make an announcement on the path out of lockdown in the week beginning 22 February.

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The DVSA announcement covers all practical and theory driving tests booked until at least 25 February, including ADI parts one and two for trainee driving instructors.

The only exceptions are the mobile emergency worker tests announced at the start of February. These allow staff who need to drive for their work and who respond to “threats to life” to sit their test and take lessons with a qualified instructor.

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The changes also cover driving lessons, which will remain suspended until at least 25 February. The only exceptions are emergency workers with a pre-booked test and cases where the student and instructor are from the same household and the lesson is undertaken during an essential journey. A lesson itself does not count as an essential journey.

Only emergency workers are currently able to book a driving test (Photo: Shutterstock)Only emergency workers are currently able to book a driving test (Photo: Shutterstock)
Only emergency workers are currently able to book a driving test (Photo: Shutterstock)

The DVSA has said that any learner whose practical test is cancelled will be contacted “as soon as possible” with a new date and time for their appointment.

However, learners whose theory test is cancelled will have to rebook their test themselves.

All affected learner drivers will be contacted by the DVSA and informed of the next steps required of them.