Vehicle testing in England and other information from the DVSA
On 4 January, the government announced a new national lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus.
You can read more about the new national lockdown on GOV.UK.
What this means for vehicle operators
Heavy vehicle testing can continue under the new national lockdown with COVID-19 secure measures in place.
We will continue to provide the vehicle standards assessors needed to test heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) safely.
Our Network Business Managers will work with ATFs to manage any local impacts from COVID-19 on our service provision.
You should continue to manage the regular maintenance and inspection schedule for your vehicles and trailers. This is a legal requirement under your operator’s licence.
The government has issued guidance on wearing face coverings and guidance for people who work in or from vehicles, which is published on GOV.UK.
Vehicle cleanliness and ventilation
We want to remind all vehicle operators about the importance of vehicle cleanliness and ventilation when presenting vehicles for annual test.
As our staff have to get into the cab as part of the inspection, wiping down the interior of the vehicle beforehand is really important.
The government has issued guidance about how to keep transport clean and prevent the transmission of coronavirus from touching contaminated surfaces. This should also be part of your procedures.
We also want to emphasise the importance of making sure vehicles are properly ventilated before the test.
Getting tests
You can now use our find a test centre service to see whether ATFs have test slots available.
If you have an exemption and the expiry date has not been updated, you can contact us at: [email protected].
Vocational driving and theory tests
All vocational tests will be suspended in England until the new national lockdown restrictions are lifted.
If you have booked a test for any of your pupils it will be cancelled and you will be automatically refunded.
Theory tests
All theory tests will be suspended until the restrictions are lifted.
We will email anyone who has booked a test and is affected by this to let them know their theory test is on hold and that they will need to reschedule it by visiting https://www.gov.uk/change-theory-test.
If you booked your pupil’s theory test you will need to log into the booking system and rearrange their test for a new date and time.
Driver CPC
Driver CPC training should be done remotely. This will be kept under review.
Enforcement activity
We will continue our enforcement work to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles on our roads.
We’ll also continue to work remotely to support drivers and operators to follow guidance and legislation and, where appropriate, improve their driver and vehicle standards.
Thank you
Thank you for continuing to follow COVID-19 secure testing procedures. This helps to reduce the risk of transmission and protect you, ATF staff and DVSA staff.
We’re grateful to you for the vital role you’re playing in transporting goods and passengers at this challenging time.
We will continue to keep the situation under review in line with government advice and provide a further update if there is a change that affects our services.
