All Covid restrictions are being dropped in England from today. But what does that mean for your driving lessons and tests?
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced what restrictions it is dropping – and what it would like learners to continue doing or must do in order to keep themselves, instructors and examiners as safe as possible:
Driving lessons
- You should still take a rapid flow test (RFT) on the day of your driving test before leaving home. RFTs are still available for free from the government direct or your local pharmacy until April 1 when you will then have to start paying for them – unless you’re over-75 or have a weakened immune system.
- You and your instructor are not legally required to wear face coverings during lessons. However, government guidance suggests that you continue to do so in enclosed spaces (i.e., a car) where you come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.
Theory tests
- You are not legally required to wear a face covering when you go for your theory test. However, the DVSA asks that you keep wearing one in line with government guidance about wearing a face covering in indoors spaces where you come into contact with others you don’t usually meet.
- Remember, you will be asked to remove your face covering briefly so staff can check your ID.
- Safety measures such as the screen in reception and the dividers in the test room will remain in place.
Driving test
- The DVSA is ‘asking’ you to continue wearing a face covering the day you come in for your driving test.
- As before, there are exceptions for people who have a physical or mental illness impairment, or a disability that means you can’t wear one – or if wearing or removing one would cause you severe distress.
- Bear in mind that if you are unable to wear a face covering, you must tell the DVSA at the time of booking your test.
- If you don’t and you turn up on the day without one, your test may not take place as there may not be an examiner available who is willing to go out with a mask-less learner.
Test car
- The DVSA still says you (or your instructor if it’s their car) must clean the inside of the vehicle before coming in for your driving test.
- If your examiner believes the car is dirty, they will cancel your test.
- You will be required to keep at least one window open on each side through out the test to improve ventilation – critical for fending off the threat of Covid – so wrap up warm if the weather is, well, British.
Waiting areas
- The DVSA suggests that you keep your distance, wear face coverings and practice good hand hygiene when in any of its waiting rooms.
What about Scotland and Wales?
They have yet to confirm their rules for face coverings in driving lessons or tests. We will update you as soon as official advice has been made available.
Stay safe
While it’s probably good news that restrictions are finally lifting, we strongly recommend you continue to wear a face covering if you are able to.
While infection rates are falling and vaccinations are working, it’s still best to err on the side of caution until the severity of the pandemic recedes to endemic levels – and that will continue to take time. We believe it’s better to be safe now rather than sorry later.
No face covering required!
Double your chances of theory test success from the comfort of your own home with Theory Test Pro. Sign up for free here.
Main photo by Uriel Mont from Pexels.