Update on theory test certificates

24th February 20211st June 2022 gms777

I have copied everything from thee DVSA which i received so that it is as clear as possible for anyone in this situation.

The government has further considered the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the validity period of theory test certificates.

After careful consideration and in response to a recent petition the government has decided not to extend theory test certificates for road safety reasons.

We understand this will be disappointing for some of your pupils, but it’s essential that they have the most up-to-date road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills at the critical point that they drive on their own for the first time.

The way we are managing test bookings is affected by COVID-19 restrictions

If your pupil’s practical driving test has been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will reschedule it for the next available test appointment at their chosen test centre.

If no test appointments are available at their chosen test centre before their theory test certificate expires, their practical test booking will be put on hold.

Pupils with tests booked whose theory test certificate has expired

If your pupil’s driving test is suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, and their theory test certificate has expired or expires, we will cancel and refund the cost of their practical test.

Your pupil will then need to rebook and pass their theory test before they can sit a practical test.

Your pupil must have a valid theory test certificate before they can book their practical test, and on the day they take it.

If you have booked any tests on behalf of your pupils who have been affected by this you need to let them know what will happen next.

If your pupil’s theory test expires before the next available practical test date

If your pupil’s theory test certificate has been put on hold because it is due to expire, they can either:

cancel their booking and get a full refund
look on the booking system for a cancellation at their original test centre or book an available test appointment at a different test centre on a date before their theory test expires – in line with any current travel restrictions

If you or your pupil book a test at an alternative site you will need to check the relevant travel restrictions leading up to the appointment date to make sure they are able to travel in to the area.

If your pupil does not rebook or cancel their practical test before their theory test certificate expires, their practical test booking with be cancelled and refunded.

Your pupils can book a new theory test up to 6 months before their current theory test certificate expires, or at any time after it has expired.

If you have booked any tests on behalf of your pupils who have been affected by this you need to let them know and discuss their options with them.

If your pupil wants to request a refund

You pupils can request a refund for the cost of their practical test through the online cancellation service at https://www.gov.uk/cancel-driving-test

Possible New Start Date for Lessons

24th February 20211st June 2022 gms777

The possible start date is the 12th of April 2021, but please read below it looks like it has not been confirmed.

Here is the information i have received today 24.02.2021.

Driving tests in England cancelled up to 8 March

DVSA has cancelled all practical and theory tests in England up to and including 8 March.

This follows the government’s roadmap announcement which set out that driving tests and theory tests in England will restart no earlier than 12 April 2021.

DVSA says it is working closely with the government and the driver and rider training industry to confirm restart plans. It will provide more information as soon as possible on motorcycle, vocational and other tests, lessons and training.

The agency will email candidates affected by test cancellations with a new date and time for their test. If it’s not suitable, they can change it at www.gov.uk/change-driving-test.

If you booked a test for any of your pupils, you’ll receive the email to let you know it has been rescheduled. You’ll need to give your pupil the new details.

DVSA’s update comes after AA announced yesterday that it had been in touch with the agency and been told: “It is confirmed that driving lessons can commence from 12 April and driving tests seven days later, subject to there being no slippages in the government’s planned dates.”

DVSA told us today that no such plans have been confirmed with anyone. However, first tier stakeholders (which the AA is not) such as DIA will be appraised early next week of the full plans for restarting testing and training. We understand that the AA will be publishing a retraction of the statements it made.

Continuing national lockdown in England

10th February 20211st June 2022 gms777

Further to guidance from government we are cancelling practical and theory tests in England up to and including 24 February 2021.

Mobile emergency worker service tests booked will take place as arranged.

You should continue to follow Government guidance to stay at home except for essential reasons.

You can read more about the lockdown measures on GOV.UK

Driving lessons

Driving lessons, must not take place until the restrictions are lifted. This includes training for ADI part 2 and 3 tests and standards checks.

Driving lessons for your pupils with a confirmed mobile emergency worker test booking can continue.

Driving tests

All driving tests are suspended in England while the restrictions are in place. This includes ADI part 2 and 3 tests and standards checks.

This does not include mobile emergency worker service tests booked which will take place as arranged.

We’ll email candidates affected by this to let them know we will reschedule their test.

If you have booked a test for any of your pupils, you will receive an email to let you know it will be rescheduled to a new time and date. You will need to contact your pupil to let them know.

We’ll send you an email with the new time and date as soon as possible; please ask your pupils to be patient.

If the new time and date is not suitable for you or your pupil, you can choose a different time and date on GOV.UK. You will need your pupil’s driving licence number to do this. Your pupil does not need to pay again to do this.

Theory test

All theory tests will be suspended until the restrictions are lifted.

We will email anyone who has booked a test and is affected by this to let them know their theory test is on hold and that they will need to reschedule it by visiting https://www.gov.uk/change-theory-test.

If you booked your pupil’s theory test you will need to log into the booking system and rearrange their test for a new date and time.

This does not include mobile emergency worker service theory tests booked which will take place as arranged.

More information

You can find what financial support is available to you on GOV.UK.

Month: February 2021