Restarting driver and rider testing: update
We let you know that we were restarting testing and training in a phased approach. Here's an update on some of the main areas.
Local lockdowns
When local lockdown restrictions are introduced in an area, we review how this affects our services.
If you're in an affected area, we will contact you and your pupils directly.
We've already been doing this in Leicester and other areas affected by local lockdowns and restrictions.
Theory test availability
We've reopened most of our theory test centres in England, Scotland and Wales.
In England, we've worked with Pearson VUE to change the 2 metre social distancing rule to 1 metre with risk mitigations in place. This means we're now able to offer more appointments and reduce waiting times.
We will also work with the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales to continue to offer more appointments as soon as we can.
We're continuing to work with Pearson VUE to open as many of the remaining closed centres as possible. In some cases, they're shared buildings, and we're waiting for the main occupant to reopen them.
Driving test availability
We've opened 290 out of 307 driving centres in England - up from 274 since we updated you on 27 July 2020.
30 out of 35 test centres in Wales are due to open on 17 August.
When your pupils are invited to rearrange their test, they'll be able to see available appointments within the next 6 weeks.
Test centres in Scotland remain closed, except for motorcycle tests and critical workers. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 advice from the Scottish Government.
Reopening the remaining test centres
We're working hard to reopen the remaining driving test centres. We need to finish carrying out:
health and safety checks
water checks
PPE distribution checks
At some test centres, we still need the landlord to carry out some checks before we can reopen.
Emailing candidates to arrange their test
Over 210,000 driving tests were put on hold due to coronavirus. So far, we've invited over 146,000 people to choose a new appointment.
It might take a few more weeks for your pupils to get their email, depending on when their test was originally scheduled.
We'll let you know when we've finished this process.
Our customer service centre cannot tell your pupils when they'll get their email, so please encourage them not to call us.
DVSA customer service centre
Our customer service centre is receiving an extremely high number of calls and emails.
Between 20 and 31 July, we received an average of 28,863 calls per day - with a peak of 45,686. It took us an average of 24 minutes and 5 seconds to answer a call.
At the same time last year, we averaged 3,403 calls per day, and it took us an average of 35 seconds to answer a call.
We're sorry for the delays in getting through, but please help us by only calling if absolutely necessary.
Emergency tests for critical workers
We're continuing to process applications for emergency tests for critical workers.
If your pupil has applied for an emergency test in the last few weeks, we've emailed them to let them know we'll be in touch soon with more information.
As we continue to restart our normal services, we will keep the need for this service under review.
Wear a face covering if you come into a test centre
Driving test centre waiting rooms are closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but the toilets are available on request.
You must wear a face covering if you want to enter the test centre to use the toilet, unless there's a good reason you cannot wear one.
Returning to the UK
If you or your pupil have entered the UK in the last 14 days, you must not go to a driving test unless you:
arrived from a country on the ‘travel corridor’ list
belong to one of the groups who do not have to self-isolate
The government keeps the conditions in countries on the travel corridor list under review, and it is regularly updated.
You should check the list regularly.
More information
Check GOV.UK for the latest about:
theory tests
driving tests
instructor guidance
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