A message from the DVSA:

 

Driving tests will restart in England and Wales from 22 April.

We know this will be a busy time for you, and that some of your pupils will have tests coming up soon.

We want your pupils who are prepared to drive safely on their own to do so as soon as possible. We are asking for your support to make every test count.

Driving tests in Scotland will restart on 6 May in Scotland if coronavirus restrictions are eased in Scotland as planned.

The top 10 reasons people fail the driving test

We’ve published the top 10 reasons for failing the driving test to help learners understand the common faults and knowledge and skills they need to work on to pass first time.

This includes tips for learners to improve their driving to avoid these mistakes.

We’re also encouraging learners to practise driving on a variety of roads and in different conditions, so they are better prepared for their test.

You can read more on GOV.UK.

This has also been produced in Welsh and is available here.

How you can help

Focussing refresher lessons for those with tests from 22 April onwards on these 10 areas could make the difference between a pass or a fail.

We know many of you will be chatting with your pupils with tests booked in the coming weeks to check they feel confident enough to pass their test.

If they don’t feel ready, they can reschedule to a later date for free and get more time to practise so they pass on their first attempt.

Rescheduling a test

Pupils who do not feel ready to pass first time can reschedule their test for free at www.gov.uk/change-driving-test 

Pupils who are fully prepared for a test can also use this service to find an earlier test date.

We add extra tests to our booking service regularly and recommend pupils check availability at all local test centres if their nearest centre is fully booked. Learners who have practised on a variety of roads should be able to take a test anywhere and pass first time.

Keep a record of your pupil’s driving lessons

You can use our free form (sometimes called the ‘driver’s record) to track your pupils’ progress as they learn to drive.

The records allow you to:
• easily check what your pupils need to know by grouping together key skills
• include new stages of learning so your pupils can reflect on their lessons

You can download it from GOV.UK

Your pupils can also record any extra practice they do using the free form at www.gov.uk/dvsa/record-private-driving-practice. They can then talk to you about their experience in their next lesson.

Make it count

There is no way to change the outcome of a driving test and we want everyone to pass first time.

We’ve published new guidance about what a candidate needs to do if they want to appeal the result of their driving test. You can find out more at www.gov.uk/guidance/appeal-driving-test.

Helping your pupils who fail

We know failing a driving test is extremely disappointing and your pupils will feel frustrated if they fail and have to wait longer for another test.

To help pupils who fail their test, we will update the guidance which explains the driving test report on GOV.UK on 22 April.

You can use this with your pupils to better understand the results of their test, and get the information you need to help them better prepare for their next test.

Thank you, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency