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

Why driving and theory tests are being suspended

Driving and theory tests are being suspended due to the coronavirus illness.

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.

In the meantime, do not call the DVSA customer service centre. They will not be able to help you.

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
customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

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.

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
covid19essentialworkerstheorytest@dvsa.gov.uk

Book an emergency driving test

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

Emergency driving tests
covid19essentialworkersdrivingtest@dvsa.gov.uk