The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that it is postponing all driving tests booked for Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 in England, Scotland and Wales.
The body said that all practical and theory tests booked for those days would be postponed indefinitely.
The move comes after some drivers saw their tests cancelled earlier in the week as test centres sought to deal with the spread of the virus.
In a brief statement on its website, DVSA advised learner drivers that it would automatically rebook their tests “as soon as possible” for free.
Change or cancel
The moratorium on driving tests currently only applies to those booked for March 19 and 20, although it is unclear whether it will be extended beyond that. DVSA’s customer support service on Twitter is currently telling learners: “If you have more than three clear working days before your test date, please head to the website to change or cancel. However, it is unclear whether This is for all candidates or only those exhibiting coronavirus symptoms.
A spokeswoman for the agency told the Press Association that a testing service would remain in place for those with a “critical need”, suggesting that most trials could be called off in the coming days.
All driving tests are to be suspended for three months in Northern Ireland from Friday, March 20.
Responding to the announcement Tom Hixon, head of instructor support at Bill Plant Driving School, commented: “We are sure that there are many trials UK ready around the UK that this news is going to be disappointed, but we all need to respect The unprecedented measures set by the DVSA through governmental advice due to coronavirus outbreaks.
“We rely on DVSA to take this time to consider their ongoing approach to test driving, and to ensure that the safety of students, driving instructors and examiners is at the forefront of everything that happens.
“Positively, this will allow students to practice for more time and have their safe driving skills right — whether through private practice with their qualified driving instructor or with their family.”
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