16/07/2021
FYI FROM DVSA
Driver testing services: step 4 of the roadmap
Following the government’s announcement setting out plans to move to step 4 of the roadmap in England on 19 July, we want to explain what these changes mean to driver testing services in England and how these will affect you and your pupils.
Driving lessons: keeping yourself and others safe
There is still a risk you could catch or pass on the virus, even if you are fully vaccinated. You are encouraged to exercise caution and consider the risks. While no situation is risk free, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves and others around us.
Wearing a face covering
COVID-19 spreads through the air by droplets and aerosols that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. The government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in enclosed spaces. So we still recommend you and your pupils wearing a face covering during a driving lesson.
Fresh air
When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, talks or breathes, they release droplets and aerosols which can be breathed in by another person. Fresh air blows away these particles, reducing the chances of COVID-19 spreading.
The more fresh air you let into your vehicle, the less likely a person is to inhale infectious particles.
Testing twice a week, even if you do not have symptoms
Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. This means they could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Testing twice a week increases the chances of detecting COVID-19 when a person is infectious - helping to make sure you do not spread COVID-19.
Rapid lateral flow testing is available for free to anybody in England. You may wish to use regular rapid testing to help manage periods of risk such as close contact in a car or when spending prolonged time with a more vulnerable person.
Driving tests
Taking rapid lateral flow tests
From 19 July, we will continue to encourage your pupils to take a rapid lateral flow test in the 48 hours before their driving test
Face coverings
From 19 July we will continue to expect you and your pupils to wear a face covering when you come for driving tests, unless you or your pupil have a good reason not to, such as:
having 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
Your pupil must tell us if they have a good reason not to wear a face covering when they book their test – if you have made the booking on behalf of your pupil you will need to do this if required.
Your pupil’s test will not take place without a face covering if they do not tell us ahead of their test.
If your pupil makes a dangerous or serious fault on test
From 19 July if your pupil makes a serious or dangerous fault, which means they’ve failed their test, the driving examiner will still direct them back to the driving test centre, where the test will end. This is to minimise the amount of time they need to spend in the vehicle.
We will keep this measure under review.
Car cleanliness and fresh air
You must clean the inside of your car before bringing your pupil for test.
This means:
tidying any unnecessary items away from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats
wiping down the dashboard and car controls
The examiner will do an additional clean of some surfaces.
The car used for the test must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test. Any combination of windows can be opened. Your pupils should wear clothing suitable for the weather.
