A message from the DVSA:

 

Driving tests restart in England and Wales today (Thursday 22 April).

Here’s a reminder of some of the most important actions to take to work safely and make sure your pupil’s are prepared for their driving test.

Actions to take now

1. Review the guidance about working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic

The driving instructors’ National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) has produced guidance to help you work safely during the pandemic.

Read the NASP guidance (PDF, 87KB).

2. Order rapid lateral flow tests in England – and encourage your pupils to do the same

If you’re in England, you can get twice weekly rapid lateral flow tests. They’re free, and you can order them online, or collect them from a test site and some pharmacies.

Your pupils in England can also get them.

Find out how to get rapid lateral flow tests.

Take a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test before your driving test (England).

3. Make sure you give your pupil’s email address if you book their test for them

If you use the service to book and manage driving tests for your pupils, you’ll need enter your pupil’s email address when booking their test from Tuesday 27 April. Your pupil’s test result will then be sent to that email address.

4. Check if the driving test centre waiting room will be open

Most waiting rooms are open, but some are closed because of COVID-19. Make sure you check if your driving test centre’s waiting room will be open.

Check the list of driving test centre waiting rooms.

5. Find out about the top 10 reasons people fail the driving test

The driving test pass rate was 45.9% between April 2019 and March 2020. Many people who fail the test make at least one of the top 10 faults. Use our new guide with your pupils and their parents to help them understand if they’re ready to take their test.

Find out about the top 10 reasons people fail the driving test.

6. Remind your pupils their test will end early if they make a serious or dangerous fault

If your pupil makes a serious or dangerous fault (which means they’ve failed) the driving examiner will direct them back to the driving test centre. This is to minimise the amount of time they need to spend in the vehicle.

Actions to take on the day of the test

1. Clean the inside of the car before the test and let fresh air in

You must clean the inside of your car before your test and make sure that you’ve left fresh air in. Your must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test, so your pupil needs to wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Find out more about the rules for the car used for the driving test.

2. Wear a face covering

Your pupil must bring and wear a face covering when they come for their test, unless they have a good reason not to and they told us this when they booked their test. We strongly encourage you to do the same.

Read more about face coverings and driving tests.

3. Do not get to the driving test centre too early

You should arrive for your pupil’s driving test no more than 5 minutes before the appointment time.

4. Follow the rules for using the driving test centre waiting room if it’s open

There are temporary rules for using driving test centre waiting rooms during the pandemic. Make sure you’re familiar with the rules before you go.

Read the rules for using waiting rooms.

Actions to take after the test

1. Encourage your pupil to read the new guidance to understand their test result

You and your pupils can use new guidance to better understand their test result, find out how to improve their skills, and get help them better prepare for their next test if they fail.

Read the guide about understanding your car driving test result.

2. Check the appeal guidance if your pupil thinks the test did not meet the legal requirements

Your pupil can appeal their driving test if they think it did not meet the legal requirements.

Check the reasons you can appeal a driving test.

More information

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

Check GOV.UK for the latest about:
• theory tests
• driving tests
• instructor guidance