Coronavirus: Critical workers exempt from three-month driving test suspension

Theory tests are suspended for one month and driving tests are suspended for up to three months due to Coronavirus (Covid-19) - but emergency tests are available in select locations for key workers.

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 and up to three months for driving tests.

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

However, 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, and utilities, communication and financial services.

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The critical worker DVSA email address is critical.worker.theory.test@dvsa.gov.uk.

If you need to book an emergency theory test, email the DVSA on the above address. You must send a photo or scanned image of 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 email or scanned document including company letterhead) or a scan of your payslip.

The DVSA will also need your telephone number and preferred contact time, which test centre you want to take your test at (currently only Birmingham, London, Glasgow and Ballymena), the type of theory test you would like to take (car, car and trailer, motorcycle, lorry, bus or coach) and your driving licence number.

If you meet the critical worker criteria, DVSA will contact you to explain what happens next.

If you aren't a critical worker but had a test booked, you’ll automatically get a refund and you’ll get an email to confirm this has been done - this may take a few weeks to arrive, though. 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.

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.