On 23 February the First Minister (FM) of Scotland announced details of the updated Strategic Framework for Covid 19.

The Strategic Framework sets out the aim to move fully back to a levels system from the last week in April. If all goes to plan the hope is that all parts of the country currently in level 4 – will be able to move out of level 4 and back initially to level 3 and afterwards to levels dependent on incidence and prevalence of the virus at that time.

DVSA driver and rider testing services will remain suspended until an area moves out of protection level 4.

You should continue to follow the Scottish Government guidance to stay at home except for essential reasons.

You can read more about the measures on the Scottish Government’s website.

Driving lessons

Driving lessons must not take place in areas under protection level 4.

You must not travel out of these areas to give driving lessons.

If you live on an island not in temporary lockdown or protection Level 4 you can continue to provide lessons to any of your pupils as long as they do not live in an area in lockdown or protection Level 4.

Driving tests

All car driving tests are suspended in areas under protection level 4. This covers mainland Scotland and some islands. This includes ADI part 2 and 3 tests and standards checks. You can check the protection level for an area here: https://www.gov.scot/check-local-covid-level/

As a result of travel restrictions our examiners are unable to travel to other areas in lower levels to take driving tests. We are suspending all tests booked in level 3, where the examiner is coming from mainland Scotland to deliver the test, until the travel restrictions are lifted.

We’ll email candidates affected by this to let them know we will reschedule their test.

If you have booked a test for any of your pupils, you will receive an email to let you know it will be rescheduled to a new time and date. You will need to contact your pupil to let them know.

We’ll send you an email with the new time and date as soon as possible; please ask your pupils to be patient.

If the new time and date is not suitable for you or your pupil, you can choose a different time and date on GOV.UK. You will need your pupil’s driving licence number to do this. Your pupil does not need to pay again to do this.

Theory tests

All theory tests are suspended in areas under protection level 4 until the restrictions are lifted.

Theory tests will go ahead on the isles of:

  • Shetland
  • Orkney

Candidates must not travel out of areas in protection level 4 to take a theory test.

We will email anyone who has booked a theory test and is affected by this to let them know their theory test is on hold and they need to reschedule it at https://www.gov.uk/change-theory-test.

If you booked your pupil’s theory test, you will need to use the booking system to rearrange their test for a new date and time.

Mobile emergency testing service

Because of the current COVID restrictions, we are not able to offer a mobile emergency worker test service in Scotland.

More information

You can find what financial support is available on GOV.UK