One metre social distancing for theory tests in England

From today (3 August) we will be introducing at least one metre social distancing measures at theory test centres in England.

This is inline with the current government guidance to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Keeping your pupils safe

We’re updating our social distancing measures at theory test centres. This is inline with the latest government advice and includes:

using floor markings to keep people 1 metre apart  spacing workstations and chairs so you’re at least 1 metre away from other people  extra cleaning of the test centres using protective transparent screens at the reception desk providing hand sanitiser for you to use when you arrive at the test centre, during your test and when you leave cleaning workstations, including computers and headphones, before every test

Staff will wear a face covering (unless there’s a medical reason that it’s not recommended for them) and gloves.

We’ve published more guidance and photos that show what you can expect on GOV.UK. 

Wearing a face covering

Your pupils should wear a face covering when they go for their test if they can. They shouldn’t wear one if it will cause them difficulties – for example if they have a respiratory condition.

They will need to remove it briefly so the test centre staff can check their ID.

Your pupils can find out more about how to wear and make a cloth face covering on GOV.UK.

Making more tests available

More tests will be available from today (3 August). This will help to reduce the waiting time for theory tests.

Theory tests in Scotland restarted on 22 July and tests in Wales will begin today (3 August). We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 advice given by the respective governments.

Restarting driving lessons in Scotland

The Scottish Government announced on 30 July that the indicative restart date for driving lessons in Scotland is 24 August.

This is to allow instructors time to plan and prepare for the restart of lessons. The actual restart date will be confirmed by the Scottish Government on or around 20 August.

We will set out detailed information about the restart of our services in due course.This will similarly allow candidates the time they need to prepare for their driving test.

We have published guidance on GOV.UK for you and your pupils to let you know what to expect on the day of their theory test and practical test.

We have shared our guidance for driving examiners with the driver training associations and they have updated their good practice guidance for instructors. Links to these are included in the instructor guidance on GOV.UK

DVSA

The government announced on 30 July that local restrictions would be introduced in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Read the government statement on the areas affected and the restrictions that have been put in place.

Currently the local restrictions in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire do not affect our services which means we can continue to provide our services as normal.

We will keep the situation under review and let you know if anything changes.