Update on theory test certificates

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

After careful consideration, the government has decided not to extend theory test certificates due to the impact on road safety.

We understand that this will be disappointing for some of your pupils. But it’s essential that your pupils have the most up to date road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills to help prepare them for their test and driving safely on their own once they’ve passed.

If your pupils certificate has expired

We cannot reschedule your pupils driving test that was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic because their theory test certificate has expired.

1. We will cancel their driving test booking.
2. They’ll get a full refund for their driving test within the next 7 working days. It will be refunded to the card that was used to pay for the test. They do not need to do anything to get the refund.
3. They will need to book and pass a theory test. You can do this at https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test.
4. Revise and practise for their theory test. Check what books and software you can use at https://www.gov.uk/theory-test/revision-and-practice.
5. They need to book and pass a driving test. They must do this within 2 years of passing their next theory test.

Your pupil can book a new theory test up to 6 months before your current theory test certificate expires, or at any time after it’s expired.

If your pupils certificate is due to expire

We will email your pupils in the coming weeks to invite them to arrange a driving test. However, we cannot guarantee that they’ll be able to take their driving test before their theory test certificate expires.

If their theory test certificate expires before they can take a driving test, they will need to follow the above steps.

well done Joshua for passing your driving test today at Ashford Kent test centre 🙂

14 July 2020 View this email in your browser

NASP

NASP calls for trainers to protect and respect pupils and each other NASP has today urged trainers to ensure they are taking every precaution possible to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the training environment. Worrying pupil feedback that their trainer has not worn a mask or facilitated any ventilation in the vehicle has been received by both the national associations and the DVSA. NASP joins with DVSA, and wider government, in impressing on trainers the need to ensure a safe and clean training environment and to give pupils and parents the reassurance that every precaution is being taken to mitigate the risk of infection. Driver trainers and their pupils are particularly at risk given the close and enclosed proximity of in-vehicle training. Face masks are worn by examiners and are mandatory for pupils on test – the same measures should be taken to protect all concerned in the training process too. In a separate plea NASP is also asking trainers to respect each other at this difficult time, and not engage in bullying and abusive behaviours towards fellow trainers. There has been a noticeable increase in combative and aggressive behaviour on and offline of late, with divisions of opinion occurring over the decision of when to return to training.  NASP reminds the industry it is the individual choice of each trainer as to when they return to the road and that individual choice should be respected if the trainer is carrying out training safely and responsibly in accordance with the NASP guidelines.