After being stopped entirely during the Coronavirus lockdown, you are now able to book and take a test again.
Just as changes have been made to your driving lessons, the same is true of driving tests.
As always, preparation is key – and knowing what to expect at your driving test always gives you an advantage.
So, here’s five things you should know about taking a driving test during the Covid-19 outbreak.
1. You must not come to a test if you should be self-isolating
- you, or someone you live with has Coronavirus symptoms
- you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with a person who has Coronavirus
- You have returned to the UK in the last 14 days (unless you travelled from certain countries or territories or are in other very limited situations).
2. You’ll need to wear a mask
You must wear a face covering when you go to the test centre, unless you have a good reason not to. This includes if:
- you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
- putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
- you need to remove it during your test to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others.
If any of the above apply you must have told the DVSA when you booked the test.
As the majority of learners will need to have a face covering during the test it’s important to have practised driving wearing a face covering beforehand.
If you have a problem with your face covering during the test, your examiner will ask you to stop so you can adjust it.
3. There are strict cleaning requirements
As you’ll know from your driving lessons, your instructor will be keeping the car clean inbetween pupils, making sure the inside of the car is sanitised regularly as well as ‘touch points’ like door handles.
This must also be the case when you take your test – your instructor will ensure this is done.
You should also expect that your examiner will also use an antiviral wipe to clean the passenger door and anything they’ll need to touch inside the vehicle.
4. Timing is everything
You are not allowed to arrive for the driving test more than 5 minutes before your appointment time. Don’t worry, your driving instructor will make sure you are there right on time.
The driving test centre waiting room will also be closed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, but the toilets will be available on request.
5. Your test may finish early if you are heading for a fail
This is the big one. In order to minimise uneccessary time in close contact with the driving examiner – if you make a serious or dangerous error – which means you are going to fail anyway – your test will be brought to an end early.
As always, we will help you avoid this outcome by working with you to ensure you are as ready and prepared for your test as you can be.
Any other questions related to lessons or your driving test?
Take a look at our FAQs and find out more about learning to drive with Progress Driving School.
