Learning To Drive – Coronavirus Update
As the Coronavirus Pandemic steams into May, there’s still no concrete evidence of anything easing off just yet. The Learning To Drive – Coronavirus Update breaks down the most recent learner driver news. Information comes not just from the government direct.gov.uk but also the top Driving Instructor organizations around the country.
The Learner Driver Practical And Theory Test Info
Practical Driving Test Info
As of today 04th May 2020 the government advice remains the same as it was on the 20th March 2020. Practical driving tests have been suspended for 3 months, so at best, we’re looking at 20th June 2020 before things get going.
Tests already booked
- If you already have a (car) test booked then it will be rebooked for another date.
- For motorbike, lorry, bus, tractor, or approved driving instructor (ADI) tests, you should get a complete refund.
It’s estimated your new test date will be booked for approximately 3 months after the original date. You should receive an email 2 weeks before your original test date informing you of the new booking.
If you want to cancel your driving test you can by emailing DVSA customer services via this link.
Key or Critical Workers
Critical workers can apply for a driving test by following this link
Critical Workers include the following groups of people
- 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
Theory Test Info
The latest theory test information would suggest things may be about to restart. The theory test was suspended until the 8th of May 2020. Hopefully all going well we should see a restart this week.
Follow this link to book your theory test from the 9th of May onwards
Critical workers can still book a theory test here!
Remember, once you pass your theory test you have 2 years to pass your practical. Why not get your theory done now and leap start into your driving when things restart.
Help For The ADI With The Latest Information From The NASP
Who are the NASP?
The NASP was formed in 2014 and is an amalgamation of the three main associations representing Approved Driving Instructors (ADI’s). The three main organizations are – Driving Instructors Association (DIA), (ADINJC) and (MSAGB) The NASP is at the forefront of developing driver training and road safety in the United Kingdom.
During the COVID – 19 pandemic, a weekly conference is taking place between the NASP, DVSA, and other Tier One stakeholders. During these meetings, a set of questions has been circulated and answers responded from information available at the time via these key associations. Here’s a link to the NASP questions and answers.
NASP Guidance For Critical Workers
As it stands an approved driving instructor can teach critical workers to drive. A subsidiary of the NASP, the (DIA) has developed a key worker register for driver and rider trainers to verify their key workers. The register is voluntary and trainers have no obligation to join. Included is an online training course, focussing on the safety protocols of teaching during these difficult times. Follow this link if your interested.
For those not interested in joining the DIA register the NASP have issued some advanced guidance to training critical workers.
Advanced guidance from the NASP
Learning To Drive With Coronavirus – Moving Forward
At the moment it doesn’t look likely driving lessons will restart for non-key workers any time soon. We imagine that as the government begins to re-start the economy, driving lessons will also restart. With the UK Coronavirus curve starting to flatten it doesn’t seem unreasonable things could be back on track by 20th June 2020. But who knows? We’ll keep you updated!
Hopefully the theory test will be up and running this week with test booking systems online on the 9th of May 2020.
