Driver testing services in Wales – lifting of COVID-19 driving test restrictions

From the DVSA:

We are lifting COVID-19 restrictions affecting driving tests in Wales from 28 March in line with the announcement that the some of the remaining Welsh restrictions are ending from this date.

The changes in Wales include:

• face coverings are no longer a legal requirement for your pupils to wear on driving test but the Welsh Government strongly advises that they continue to do so
• your pupils will no longer be asked to let us know in advance of their driving test if they cannot wear a face covering.
• instructors and accompanying drivers are able to sit in on driving tests
• your pupils no longer have to self-isolate if they have COVID-19, but we encourage them to rearrange their test if they feel unwell for any reason
• DVSA will no longer ask your pupils to consider doing a lateral flow test on the day of their test

The Welsh Government strongly advises learner drivers and driving instructors to continue to wear face coverings on driving lessons in Wales.

You need to make your pupils aware of these forthcoming changes, especially if you have made their test booking for them.

DVSA guidance on GOV.UK will be updated shortly.

Face coverings

From 28 March your pupils will not have to wear a face covering on a driving test but they are strongly advised to continue to do so by the Welsh Government.
Your pupils will no longer have to let us know if they cannot wear a face covering in advance of their driving test from 28 March. This also applies to bookings you make on behalf of your pupils.

Our driving examiners can make a personal choice to wear a face covering if they wish.

The Welsh Government strongly advises that you and your pupils continue to wear face coverings on driving lessons in Wales.

ADIs sitting in on tests

We are lifting the restriction on ADIs and accompanying drivers to sit in on a driving test in Wales from 28 March.

This means that driving examiners will ask your pupil if they want someone to:

• sit in the back of the car during the test
• be with them for the result and feedback

ADI standards checks and ADI part 2 and 3 tests

In line with the changes to car sharing guidance in Wales, we are lifting the restriction on ADIs and accompanying drivers to sit in on a driving test from 28 March.

Standards checks and part 3 tests will continue to last for 45 minutes and will continue to ask that pupils used in the test must be at least partly trained.

Pupils testing positive for COVID-19

We encourage candidates testing positive for COVID-19 up to 5 days before their driving test not to attend their test to reduce the spread of the virus.

You or your pupil should email us at customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk with the subject title ‘COVID-19 short notice cancellation’ to rearrange their test.

You or your pupil will need to include the following information in the email:

• their driving license number
• their driving test booking reference number

We will then contact you or your pupil to help rearrange the test. Your pupil will not have to pay again.

Taking rapid lateral flow tests

From 28 March DVSA will no longer ask your pupils to consider doing a lateral flow test on the day of their testif they do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

Thank you for your support

We know this has been a very challenging period for the driver and rider training industry.

The changes we have made to our services have had an impact across the industry, but you have shown resilience, supported our colleagues and responded positively to our engagement.

We want to thank you for taking the necessary action to help reduce the spread of COVID and protect our colleagues.