DVSA COVID-19 Update
How theory tests will work
Thursday 16 July 2020 12.00
DVSA has published guidance about what you should expect when you take theory tests.
Sending information to the NHS Test and Trace service
DVSA will share your details with the relevant NHS service if a DVSA member of staff you had close contact with both:
- develops coronavirus symptoms within 48 hours of your driving test
- tests positive for coronavirus after their symptoms developed.
In Scotland full details can be found at the NHS Inform Coronavirus (COVID-19): Contact tracing website.
How theory tests will work
Keeping you safe at the test centre
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced social distancing measures and safety precautions at test centres.
These include:
- using floor markings to keep people 2 metres apart
- spacing workstations and chairs so you're 2 metres away from other people
- extra cleaning of the test centres
- using protective transparent screens at the reception desk
- providing hand sanitiser for you to use when you arrive at the test centre, during your test and when you leave
- cleaning workstations, including computers and headphones, before every test
Staff will wear a face covering (unless there's a medical reason that it's not recommended for them) and gloves.
You have to come into the test centre alone. This is to help with social distancing.
Wearing a face covering
In Scotland, you must bring and wear a face covering when you come for your test, unless you have a good reason not to.
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
Checking your ID
You will need to remove it briefly so the test centre staff can check your ID.
Find out how to wear and make a cloth face covering.
When you must not come for your test
You must not come for your theory test if:
- you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms
- you've been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you've been in contact with a person who has coronavirus
- if you have returned to the UK in the last 14 days, unless you travelled from certain countries or territories, or are in other very limited situations
You have to stay at home (self-isolate).
Change your theory test appointment if you need to self-isolate on the day of your theory test.
You can do this free of charge if you're self-isolating, including if you do it at short notice (within 3 clear working days of the test).
If you're classed as clinically extremely vulnerable from coronavirus
If you're clinically extremely vulnerable, you should have received a letter telling you that you're in this group or have been told by your GP.
Changes to the theory test planned for 14 April 2020
The changes to the theory test that were planned to be introduced on 14 April 2020 have not gone ahead. This is because of the coronavirus outbreak.
DVSA will make these changes to the theory test as soon as possible. In the meantime, the theory test will continue to work in the same way as it did before April.
