Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving tests and theory tests

Theory tests are suspended for one month, and driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months due to coronavirus - but tests are available for critical workers.

Book an emergency test if you’re a critical worker

You can still get an emergency test during the suspension period if your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in a critical sector. These include:

• health and social care
• education and childcare
• key public services
• local and national government
• food and other necessary goods
• public safety and national security
• transport
• utilities, communication and financial services

Book an emergency theory test

Email DVSA to ask for an emergency theory test. DVSA will then tell you what you need to send to prove that it’s essential your theory test goes ahead.

Emergency theory tests
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Book an emergency driving test

Email DVSA to ask for an emergency driving test.

You must send a photo or a scanned image of a valid ID such as your work ID badge.

If you do not have an ID badge you can send:

• an email from a work email address
• evidence from your employer, such as an email or scanned document including company letterhead
• a scan of your payslip

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

You also need to tell us:

• your telephone number
• your preferred test location
• the type of test you would like to take (car, car and trailer, motorcycle, lorry, bus or coach)
• your driving licence number
• the driving test reference number (if you have one)
• your theory test certificate number

If you meet the critical worker criteria, DVSA will contact you with a test date.

Theory Tests

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

Theory tests and driving tests have been suspended to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The suspension lasts:

• up to and including 20 April 2020 for theory tests
• for up to 3 months for driving tests

This applies to all types of theory tests, driving tests and approved driving instructor (ADI) standards checks.

If your test was cancelled at short notice

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if your:

• theory test was due to take place on or before Monday 23 March 2020
• driving test was due to take place on or before Tuesday 24 March 2020

Theory tests

Theory tests are suspended up to and including 20 April 2020.

You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been cancelled.

You’ll automatically get a refund. You’ll get an email to confirm this has been done – this may take a few weeks to arrive.

You’ll then have to book a new theory test for a date and time after 20 April 2020 that suits you.

You can still book, change or cancel tests for 21 April 2020 onwards.

Driving tests

Driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months.

You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been rebooked. It will tell you the new date and time of your test.

You will not get this email immediately - it should arrive around 2 weeks before your original test date.

It’s likely that your new test date will be around 3 months after your original date.

If you want to cancel your test

You can cancel your test if you want to get a full refund now. Email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to request this.

You need to include your full name and 2 of the following pieces of information:

• your driving licence number
• your theory test pass certificate number
• your driving test booking reference

DVSA customer services
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You cannot book a future driving test date

If you have not booked a driving test, you’ll be unable to do so at the moment.

When driving tests start again, priority will be given to people who had their test cancelled. This means you will have to wait longer than usual.

Check back for the latest updates.

If your theory test certificate expires soon

Legally, your theory test certificate cannot be extended in any circumstances.

You’ll need to book and pay to take another theory test.

You need to pass this before you can book your driving test.

28 March 2020 Update

Following the latest government advice, Passfaster is suspending lessons for most customers while the current lockdown is in force.

If you qualify for an emergency test, we will make provisions for your lessons to continue. We may require additional information from you to assess your eligibility. Please contact us if you think you may qualify for these tests.

The DVSA are suspending driving tests for all other candidates for a period of up to three months. If your test is cancelled, it will typically be rescheduled for around three months after the original date. You will not receive the rescheduling email straight away; this will arrive around 2 weeks before your original test date.

All theory test centres are currently closed, and all theory tests until Monday, 20th April have been postponed. It is still currently possible to book tests after this date, but the DVSA does not rule out closing test centres for a longer period.

We will be adopting a more flexible approach to rescheduling courses for the duration of the pandemic. We will not charge any fees if you cancel or change your test due to coronavirus.

Passfaster is continuing to accept bookings.

If you work in a key sector of the economy, we may be able to arrange driving lessons and emergency theory and practical tests for you over the coming weeks. Please contact us if you think you may qualify.

If you are not a key worker, we will make arrangements for you to start your lessons once the current lockdown has ended. We will also arrange for your test to take place as early as possible once theory and driving tests are running again.