Are driving tests cancelled? Latest from DVSA on how coronavirus could impact practical and theory driving tests - and if test centres are closed

What we know on how driving tests are affected by the Covid-19 outbreak

Driving test

The DVSA has announced that it has cancelled all driving tests across England, Scotland and Wales to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

From Friday, March 20, all practical tests have been suspended for up to three months.

On Friday, the DVSA confirmed that all theory tests would be cancelled until April 20 in response to the outbreak.

Driving test centres have been affected by the outbreak

However, it has put in place plans to provide driving tests for people who provide critical services.

Reducing contact

Making the announcement, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Since it’s impossible to maintain social distancing over a prolonged period we have suspended driver testing for the next three months in a further move to protect the public in our national battle against COVID19.

“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.”

Northern Ireland, which operates a separate testing system from the rest of the UK, has also suspended all driving tests for three months from Friday, March 20.

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "It is the right step to take given the public health advice concerning social distancing and given the personal nature of the driver testing service.”

Rebooking

The DVSA has issued separate advice regarding cancelled theory and practical tests.

All theory tests up to and including Friday, April 20 have been cancelled. All affected learners will receive a refund for their test fee and will be advised by email once they are able to rebook their test, which could take a few weeks. You can still book, change or cancel tests for April 21, 2020 onwards.

Drivers who have had a practical test cancelled will have their test automatically rebooked free of charge. You will get an email to tell you that your test has been rebooked, including the new date and time of your test. You will not get this email immediately - it should arrive around two weeks before your original test date.

It’s likely that your new test date will be around three months after your original date.

If you prefer, you can cancel your test and get a full refund by emailing [email protected] with your full name (as shown on your driving licence) and two of the following: driving licence number; theory test pass certificate number; test booking reference.

If you have not already booked a driving test you will not be able to at this time. When booking reopens, priority will be given to people who had their test cancelled.

Critical workers and emergency tests

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

To book an emergency theory test, email [email protected]. DVSA will then tell you what you need to send to prove that it’s essential your theory test goes ahead.

To book an emergency practical driving test email [email protected]. DVSA will then tell you what you need to send to prove that it’s essential your driving test goes ahead.

Out-of-pocket expenses

Drivers whose theory test was due to take place on or before Monday, March 23 2020 or whose practical test was due to take place on or before Tuesday, March 24 can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses. These cover things like the cost of hiring your instructors’ car, travel expenses getting to the test centre and any lost earnings from taking time off work to sit the test.