As with nearly all groups and demographics, motorists — both current and prospective — have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and global lockdown.

Those taking lessons and preparing for their tests will now be waiting up to three months until they can resume, at which point additional hours may be needed to get back up to speed.

But, there are things you can do now to keep the knowledge fresh and put yourself in the best position for when the lockdown’s lifted and you’re back behind the wheel.

Why have tests been cancelled?

Driving tests have been suspended for up to three months to help tackle COVID-19. The changes came into effect on 20 March 2020, meaning any test booked for after that (exemptions aside) will have been cancelled.

If you booked a car driving test, this will be automatically rebooked for a new date and time. Just bear in mind that you might not get confirmation until around two weeks before the date of your original test. The revised date should be roughly three months after the original.

You can also cancel altogether and get a full refund, by emailing the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) at [email protected]. Make sure to include your driving licence number, theory test pass certificate number and driving test booking reference.

Sign up to email alerts on changes to the Government’s driving test advice page here.

I’m a key worker — can I get a driving test?

If your work is deemed critical, you can apply for an emergency test. This includes, but isn’t limited to, workers in health and social care, education and childcare, and key public services.

You can find a list of eligibility on the Government site, where you’ll also be able to apply for an emergency driving test.

What if I booked a motorcycle or lorry test?

If you booked a test for a motorcycle, lorry, bus, tractor or approved driving instructor (ADI), these will be automatically cancelled but not rebooked.

You’ll get a full refund and will be able to book another test when the booking service is back online.

Can I book a test three months ahead, even if I didn't already have one booked?

You aren’t able to book a test right now, and when they start up again priority will be given to those who already had a test booked.

For learners who hadn’t booked, there’s likely to be a delay while the backlog of existing bookings is worked through.

To keep up to date with it, make sure to register for email updates.

Will my theory test certificate be extended?

Unfortunately, the theory test certificates won’t be extended beyond the usual two-year limit “in any circumstances”.

As frustrating as it is, this means that although you’ll need to take the test again if your certificate expires, the knowledge will be fresher for when you’re able to take the practical.

We recommend the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit app for keeping up to speed with your driving theory. Available on Apple and Android, it has every official car revision question along with hazard perception clips and a digital copy of the Highway Code.

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