Driving Tests: Coronavirus

(asked on 1st February 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the DVLA's policy is on advising people whether they can participate in driving theory tests.


Answered by
Rachel Maclean Portrait
Rachel Maclean
This question was answered on 5th February 2021

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is responsible for the conduct of theory driving tests.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the national lockdown in England, the DVSA has once again had to suspend all routine theory and practical driving tests.

Government guidance is very clear people should be staying at home to save lives and protect the NHS unless their trip is essential. A journey solely for driver learning or testing purposes is not considered essential. It is also contrary to the ‘stay at home’ message and would increase movement of both people and vehicles.

The DVSA is working with its theory test contract provider, Pearson VUE, to respond to requests for theory tests in England from organisations such as Ambulance Authorities on behalf of frontline mobile emergency workers who require a driving licence to carry out duties in their employment role.

The DVSA has been working closely with Pearson VUE, to explore ways in which it can expand theory testing capacity and reduce waiting times for theory tests once testing can resume.

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