From the DVSA:

Face coverings are still a legal requirement during vocational training and driving tests in Wales in line the Welsh Government announcement that some restrictions will continue from 28 February.

From Monday 7 March, face coverings will no longer be a legal requirement for candidates taking their theory test in Wales.

You need to make your pupils aware of this forthcoming change, especially if you have made their vocational or theory test booking for them.

The current vocational driving and theory tests safety measures in Scotland remain in place and we will let you know of any changes.

COVID-19 restrictions affecting driving and theory tests in England ended on 1 March.

Face coverings for theory tests in Wales

Face coverings will no longer a legal requirement for candidates taking their theory test in Wales from 7 March.

Candidates will no longer have to let us know if they cannot wear a face covering in advance of their theory test from 7 March. This also applies to bookings you make on behalf of your pupils.

The Welsh Government strongly recommends that your pupils still wear face coverings even where they do not have to. COVID-19 is still a risk, and we must continue to do what we can to limit the spread.

However, face coverings continue to be a legal requirement on vocational training and practical tests.

You or your pupil must continue to tell us if they are exempt from wearing a face covering when the practical test booking is made.

Your pupil’s practical test will not take place without a face covering if you or they do not tell us they are exempt ahead of their test.

We will be contacting everyone with a vocational test booking in Wales to confirm this. If you booked a test for your pupils, you need to let them know about these changes.

Candidates testing positive for COVID-19 in Wales

Any of your pupils who are self-isolating must not attend their vocational test and should follow the latest guidance from the Welsh Government.

You or your pupil should email us at [email protected]with the subject title ‘COVID-19 short notice cancellation’ to rearrange their driving test.

You or your pupil will need to include at least 2 of these in the email:

• their driving licence number
• their driving test booking reference

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

Taking rapid lateral flow tests in Wales

We encourage your pupils to take a rapid lateral flow test before their driving test if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

We are asking that they do this on the day of their driving test, before they leave home.

Find out more about taking a rapid lateral flow test before taking a driving test.

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.