09 May Coronavirus (COVID-19): Driving Tests for Key Workers
With the government advising most of the population to practice social distancing, the DVSA have taken the decision to suspend theory and practical tests. However, an exception exists to this rule. If you are a key worker, you may be eligible to take an emergency test. In this article, we will explain who may qualify, and how to book these tests.
Who counts as a key worker?
The government has identified those whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or who work in critical sectors for the economy, as key workers. We have listed these sectors below, together with examples of jobs identified as critical.
- Health and social care
Key workers include: doctors, nurses and other frontline staff (including volunteers); support and specialist staff; those working in the health and social care supply chain - Education and childcare
Key workers include: childcare, support and teaching staff; specialist educational professionals - Key public services
Key workers include: essential workers in the justice system; religious staff; charities and workers delivering frontline services; journalists and public service broadcasters - Local and national government
Key workers include: administrative occupations essential to the COVID-19 response; those delivering essential public services - Food and other necessary goods
Key workers include: those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery; those essential to the provision of other key goods - Public safety and national security
Key workers include: police and support staff; MoD civilians, contractors and armed forces personnel; fire and rescue service employees - Transport
Key workers include: workers in air, water, road and rail passenger transport; workers in freight transport - Utilities, communication and financial services
Key workers include: staff needed for essential financial services; workers in the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors; IT and data infrastructure
For full details on who counts as a key worker, visit GOV.UK.
Are all key workers eligible for emergency tests?
At present, the DVSA is prioritising applications from NHS staff and social care workers for emergency theory and practical tests. Only once all of these workers have been given tests will the DVSA begin offering appointments to those in other sectors.
Initially, the DVSA declined applications from those working in other critical sectors of the economy. Now, however, as part of their shift from an email-based system to an online form, all key workers are invited to reapply. Be aware, however, that you will be placed on a waiting list until NHS and social care workers have been given tests.
What are the rules regarding driving tests for key workers?
Theory tests are currently postponed until Friday, 8th May, and practical tests are postponed until Saturday, 20th June at the latest.
Key workers may be eligible to take theory or driving tests, even when they are suspended for the general public. These are known as emergency tests.
Emergency tests are not available to everyone. The DVSA must class you as a key worker in order for you to qualify for one of these tests. Please note that, as stated above, NHS and social care workers have priority when it comes to test appointments.
How to apply
To apply for an emergency test, you’ll need to have the following details to hand:
- your driving licence number
- a scanned copy or photo of either:
- your work ID badge
- an email to your work address from your employer, confirming you work for them
- a letter (on headed paper) from your employer, confirming you work for them
You’ll then need to complete an online form to apply for your test. You can access the relevant form by clicking the buttons below.
APPLY FOR AN EMERGENCY THEORY TEST
APPLY FOR AN EMERGENCY DRIVING TEST
Be prepared to provide information including:
- your occupation
- the reason why you need to pass your test
- your phone number
- your preferred test centre
- the type of test you would like to take (e.g., a car driving test)
- the reference number for your existing driving test, if you have one
- your theory test certificate number, if applying for a driving test
You must complete the online form in order to request an emergency test, even if you already submitted an email application. Those who originally applied via email will have priority over new applications.
If the DVSA deem you eligible for a test, they will send an appointment to you via email at the nearest available test centre. Please note that you must be willing to take your test at short notice, as the number of appointments available is very limited. Additionally, only a handful of theory test centres are operating at present: Birmingham, Glasgow and Mile End (London).
What measures are being taken to ensure that emergency tests are safe?
The DVSA have put in place a number of procedures to minimise the spread of coronavirus. This includes:
- Ensuring that examiners wear clothing that fully covers their arms and legs
- Requiring examiners to wash their hands before entering the public waiting area, wear gloves for the duration of the test, and avoid touching their face
- Banning examiners from shaking the candidate’s hand
- Preventing candidates from touching the examiner’s iPad, stylus, or any paperwork used
- Checking the candidate’s signature and driving licence without the examiner physically handling it
- Not allowing any accompanying driver or ADI to sit in on the test, or to listen to the debrief at the end
- Stopping tests from going ahead if a candidate is unwell, or terminating the test partway through if the candidate becomes unwell during the drive
- Keeping vehicles well ventilated, including by asking the candidate to open their window
- Building in extra time for each test to ensure that examiners are able to carry out all the additional precautions
- Putting in place specific measures for the disposal of any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and wipes
The driving test itself will be carried out as normal, including general and independent driving sections, reversing manoeuvres, “show me, tell me” questions and an eyesight check.
Does Femaleautomaticinstructor offer courses and tests for key workers?
Femaleautomaticinstructor will continue to offer driving courses for eligible key workers, and can help to arrange emergency theory and practical tests for you.
If you’re interested in booking any of our driving courses, simply get in touch with us by phone on 07392392921. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and help you choose the best option for you.
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