UPDATE 26/9/22: IT IS NO LONGER A REQUIREMENT TO WEAR A FACEMASK ON YOUR DRIVING TEST

You’re probably aware that recent changes in the UK Covid restrictions mean that from 19th July 2021 it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a facemask in public places. However the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport;being outside or letting fresh air in minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.

The DVSA have just revised their guidance to confirm that you will still be required to wear a face mask during your driving test unless you are exempt. If you are exempt then when you book, you need to say if there’s a good reason you cannot wear a face covering when you take your test. This includes if:

You have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress you need to remove it during your test to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others

Driving Skills Academy feel it is very important to align with the DVSA along with guidance from the Driving Instructor Associations and NASP and so we will be continuing to insist that facemasks are worn on Driving Lessons unless exempt. We will also ensure all touch points are cleaned between each learner and the car has adequate ventilation. This is particularly important to ensure that you can have your driving test. It would only take one learner to pass COVID-19 onto your driving instructor or a driving test examiner and that could prevent you and potentially around 70 other people from having a test if an examiner had to isolate! It is also worth considering the risk of you potentially having to isolate when your driving test is due, we would recommend where possible reducing your exposure to high risk places in the 10 days prior to your test. Driving tests remain in high demand and missing a test could result in months before you can get another one so missing out on a weekend out with friends or family might be a good decision.

It is important to note that you you must not go to your driving test if:

• you or someone you live with has COVID-19 symptoms
• you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
• you’re quarantining because you recently entered the UK

If you cannot go for your test because you’re self-isolating

Email DVSA at customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk if you cannot go for your test because you’re self-isolating. Use the subject title ‘COVID-19 short notice cancellation’.

Include 2 of the following in your email:

• your driving licence number
• your theory test pass certificate number
• your driving test booking reference