Driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months except for critical workers, and MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers are also suspended for up to 3 months.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is suspending driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales for up to 3 months from 21 March 2020.
The decision has been made to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as tests lead to extended contact between candidates and examiners in vehicles.
Motorcycle tests are also being suspended.
There are separate arrangements in Northern Ireland.
DVSA has put in place plans to provide tests for critical workers.
Protecting the public
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
We are having to take big decisions to protect the public in our national battle against COVID-19. Regrettably, we have had to suspend driver testing for up to 3 months to help tackle the spread of the virus.
It is vital that those who need a test can get one so DVSA is offering tests to those who have a critical need, such as the NHS and drivers delivering goods across the UK.
Those who have tests cancelled will have priority when testing resumes.
The tests being suspended include:
- car driving tests
- motorcycle tests
- lorry, coach and bus driving tests
- approve driving instructor (ADI) tests and checks
DVSA will contact everyone with a test booked during this time to let them know their test has been cancelled and that it will automatically re-book for them.
The decision will be kept under review. The latest information about driving tests and COVID-19 is on GOV.UK.
MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers
DVSA has suspended MOTs (annual tests) for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) for up to 3 months from 21 March 2020.
All HGV and PSV vehicles with an MOT will be issued with a 3-month certificate of temporary exemption (CTE) until further notice.
Vehicles must be maintained, kept safe to drive (roadworthy) and operate within the terms of operators’ licence conditions.
Check what you need to do to exempt your vehicle.
MOTs for cars, motorcycles and light vans
The Department for Transport continues to keep MOT testing under review and will provide an update in due course.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers
Your lorry, bus or trailer will be exempt from needing an MOT for 3 months from 21 March 2020. You might need to apply for this, depending on your vehicle.
You need to apply for an exemption if your vehicle fits into one of these categories:
- a public service vehicle (PSV) with an MOT that expires in March 2020
- any vehicle that needs a first MOT (annual test) before 31 March 2020
- a vehicle or trailer returning to service where the test certificate expired before March 2020
- a vehicle needing a dangerous goods (ADR) test before 31 March 2020
How you apply depends on which category your vehicle fits in.
You can check the MOT history of a vehicle if you do not know when it’s MOT expiry date is.
You cannot use this service if your vehicle has not had an MOT before.
PSV with an MOT that expires in March 2020
Email DVSA if your annual test certificate expires during March and you have not been able to have the vehicle tested.
You need to include your:
- name
- phone number
- address
- vehicle registration number (number plate)
- MOT expiry date
PSV MOT exemptions
[email protected]
Make sure your email has the subject heading ‘PSV exemptions’.
Any vehicle that needs a first MOT (annual test) before 31 March 2020
Email DVSA if your vehicle requires its first MOT before 31 March 2020 and you have not been able to have the vehicle tested.
You need to include your:
- name
- phone number
- address
- vehicle registration number (number plate), vehicle identification number or trailer ID
First MOT exemptions
[email protected]
Make sure your email has the subject heading ‘First test exemptions’.
A vehicle or trailer returning to service where the test certificate expired before March 2020
Email DVSA if your vehicle or trailer test expires before March 2020 and you wish to bring it back into service and are unable to have it tested.
You need to include your:
- name
- phone number
- address
- vehicle registration number (number plate), vehicle identification number or trailer ID
- test expiry date
Out of service vehicles
[email protected]
Make sure your email has the subject heading ‘Out of service vehicles’.
An exemption certificate will be issued, or you will be given advice on obtaining a test.
A vehicle needing a dangerous goods (ADR) test before 31 March 2020
Email DVSA if your vehicle requires an ADR test before 31 March 2020.
You need to include your:
- name
- phone number
- address
- vehicle registration number (number plate), vehicle identification number or trailer ID
- ADR test expiry date
ADR enquiries
[email protected]
Make sure your email has the subject heading ‘ADR enquiries’.
What to do if you think you should not have been issued an exemption
Email DVSA if your vehicle has been issued an MOT exemption and you think it should not have received one.
You need to include your:
- name
- phone number
- address
- vehicle registration number (number plate), vehicle identification number or trailer ID
- test expiry date
Test exemption error [email protected]
Make sure your email has the subject heading ‘Test exemption error’.
More information
COVID-19: guidance for employees, employers and businesses
Source: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
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