Bamboozled by what extended deadlines and temporary suspensions are still in place? Check out our quick reference guide

04 December 2020

Driving tests and theory tests

England driving lessons and theory and driving tests – Driving lessons and theory tests are due to restart in all areas in England from Wednesday 2 December. Tier 1 and 2 areas on Wednesday 2 December and in tier 3 areas on Thursday 3 December. Click here.

Northern Ireland practical driving tests and driver theory tests – Practical driving tests that were booked from 27 November to 10 December (inclusive) will now be cancelled. Click here. Driving theory tests from 27 November to 10 December (inclusive) will now be suspended. The validity of theory test pass certificates for learner drivers that expired between 1 March and 31 October 2020 has been extended by eight months; these will now have their validity extended by a further four months. Click here.

Scotland driver theory tests Scotland – Theory tests are taking place in council areas in local COVID protection levels 0 to 3. Theory tests will be suspended in council areas in local COVID protection level 4. Applicants must not travel out of a level 4 area to take their theory test somewhere else. Click here.

Training

Periodic training – The seven-month extension to the validity of a DQC (see below) gives holders an extra seven months to complete their 35 hours of periodic training. This means a holder has five years and seven months from the date their current CPC became valid to undertake this training. For example: a DQC validity has been extended from 30 June 2020 to 31 January 2021 – this means periodic training undertaken from 1 July 2020 counts towards the 35 hours of training that must be complete by 31 January 2021 to renew the DQC. Click here.

The DVSA has confirmed that, where possible, driver CPC training should be done remotely.  Where this is not possible, classroom-based teaching in a suitable COVID-secure environment is allowed.  In-vehicle training should not be carried out.

COVID extension to ADR and DGSA certificates – All ADR driver training certificates that have been granted in accordance with 1.8.3.7 of ADR and Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) certificates for training as a safety adviser granted in accordance with 1.8.3.16.1 of ADR for the transport of dangerous goods, the validity of which ends between 1 March 2020 and 1 February 2021, will remain valid until 28 February 2021.

Remote ADR training – DVSA and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) will consider granting temporary authorisation for approved Dangerous Goods Driver Training (DGDT) providers to deliver ADR training remotely via a suitable digital platform. ADR examinations must be delivered at approved sites as normal and limited to 15 at one time. Providers wanting to deliver ADR training remotely must contact SQA at adr@sqa.org.uk.  The application form is also available on the DGDT website here.

MOTs

HGV testing – DVSA has introduced a number of extensions to its testing services, the effects of which depend on a vehicle’s original expiry date. The test renewal for an HGV, bus or trailer will automatically be extended for three or 12 months. Click here.

Light vehicle MOTs – Light vehicles due an MOT between 30 March and 31 July 2020 are automatically granted a six-month extension: for example, if an MOT expired on 10 July 2020, the MOT will be due by 10 February 2021. Operators should ensure vehicles have a test conducted before any extension expires. Click here.

ADR annual inspections

Dangerous goods vehicle (ADR) annual inspections (Authorisation No 945 Rev 4) – This authorisation allows tank vehicles that are excluded from holding annual roadworthiness test certificates, or for which the annual roadworthiness test certificate has been extended, to remain in service on GB roads without a valid ADR 1(C) certificate. Click here.

Driving licences and DQC

Photocard licences – Those that originally expired between 1 February and 31 December 2020 were automatically extended for a further 11 months. Drivers should receive a reminder from the DVLA to renew. Note that if you intend to drive abroad you must renew your licence. Click here. In Northern Ireland this EU extension applies to all driving licences.  Click here.

Driver Qualification Card – The validity of Driver CPC Driver Qualification Cards (DQCs) with expiry dates from 1 February to 31 August 2020 was extended by seven months. Click here.

Medicals

Bus and lorry drivers – The Government has made temporary arrangements for bus and lorry drivers aged 45 and over to forego the need for a D4 medical to renew their driving entitlement in GB. These changes are temporary and will only apply where the licence has not expired before 1 January 2020. The licence will only be valid for one year instead of five, and the driver will need to submit a completed D4 when the licence is due for renewal in 12 months. Click here.

Please contact our regulatory team for more information regulatory@backhouses.co.uk.