DVSA has set out how moving to step 4 of the roadmap in England on 19 July will affect driver testing services, ADIs and their pupils.
The agency recommends:
- ADIs and pupils still wear a face covering during a driving lesson
- Keeping car windows open during driving lessons
- ADIs and pupils continue to do lateral flow tests twice a week
- Pupils take a rapid lateral flow test in the 48 hours before their driving test
- ADIs and pupils to wear a face covering when they come for driving tests unless they have a good reason not to
DVSA said: “There is still a risk you could catch or pass on the virus, even if you are fully vaccinated. You are encouraged to exercise caution and consider the risks. While no situation is risk free, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves and others around us.
“COVID-19 spreads through the air by droplets and aerosols that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. The government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in enclosed spaces. So we still recommend you and your pupils wearing a face covering during a driving lesson.
“When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, talks or breathes, they release droplets and aerosols which can be breathed in by another person. Fresh air blows away these particles, reducing the chances of COVID-19 spreading.
“The more fresh air you let into your vehicle, the less likely a person is to inhale infectious particles.”
Driving test
During the driving test, if your pupil makes a serious or dangerous fault, which means they’ve failed their test, the driving examiner will still direct them back to the driving test centre, where the test will end. DVSA will keep this measure under review.
You must clean the inside of your car before bringing your pupil for test.
This means:
- Tidying any unnecessary items away from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats
- Wiping down the dashboard and car controls
The examiner will do an additional clean of some surfaces.
The car used for the test must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test. Any combination of windows can be opened. Your pupils should wear clothing suitable for the weather.
As social distancing measures are eased on 19 July, DVSA will review the policy which does not allow ADIs to sit in on driving tests. The agency will let you know when there is an update on this
Waiting rooms
The following waiting rooms which were closed for social distancing reasons will be reopening in phases, starting from 19 July:
- Atherton
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Blackpool
- Bredbury
- Carlisle
- Chorley
- Crewe
- Featherstone
- Manchester – Cheetham Hill
- Sheffield – Middlewood
- Birmingham – Kingstanding
- Buxton
- Hinckley
- Kettering
- Lichfield
- Nuneaton
- Wolverhampton
- Ashford, Middlesex
- Barking
- Basingstoke
- Belvedere
- Bristol – Kingswood
- Bromley
- Bury St Edmunds
- Chingford
- Exeter
- Goodmayes
- Greenford
- Loughton
- Morden
- Newton Abbot
- Wanstead
- West Wickham
DVSA encourages ADIs to keep a distance and wear face coverings in waiting areas to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Some waiting rooms will need to remain closed because they are located in:
- Shared buildings where the landlord is not allowing public access
- Rooms with no ventilation
Theory tests
From 19 July it will be your pupil’s personal choice whether or not to wear a face covering whilst attending and taking their theory test.
However, DVSA is strongly encouraging candidates to wear face coverings during their theory test to protect them, other candidates and the staff at the test centre and reduce the spread of the virus.
Other safety measures such as the screen at reception and workstation dividers will remain in place.
The current driving tests safety measures in Scotland and Wales remain in place.
