DVSA driving tests
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has suspended driving tests for cars and motorcycles and MOTs for buses and lorries due to Covid-19. Credit: Crown Copyright.

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Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has suspended driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales for up to three months, effective from 21 March.

This decision has been taken to prevent the potential spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus due to contact between candidates and test examiners.

DVSA also cancelled annual tests of all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs).

The HGV and PSV vehicles with an MOT will be given a three-month certificate of temporary exemption (CTE). Vehicles are required to operate within the terms of operators’ licence conditions.

Approved driving instructor (ADI) tests and checks have also been suspended.

Meanwhile, the Department for Transport  (DfT) has kept MOT testing for cars, motorcycles and light vans under review.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are having to take big decisions to protect the public in our national battle against Covid-19.

“Regrettably, we have had to suspend driver testing for up to three months to help tackle the spread of the virus.”

Driving tests will be conducted for workers in the critical sector aiding in the Covid-19 response.

Shapps added: “It is vital that those who need a test can get one so DVSA is offering tests to those who have a critical need, such as the NHS and drivers delivering goods across the UK.

“Those who have tests cancelled will have priority when testing resumes.”

People who have booked tests will be informed of the cancellation by DVSA. An automatic re-booking of the test will be done for candidates.