Letter from DVSA Chief Executive to Vocational Driver Trainers

24 April 2020

On 22 April 2020, Gareth Llewellyn (Chief Executive of the DVSA) has written to vocational driver trainers advising them of the measures in place for vocational driver training and tests during the coronavirus pandemic.

Driving tests are currently suspended as a result of the outbreak; however, emergency tests are still available for those whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response.  Driving tests for these individuals are being prioritised and matched against the 90 volunteer vocational driving examiners across Great Britain.

The letter advises driver trainers to follow the Public Health England and Cabinet Office guidance when providing driving instruction, which includes: having good ventilation in place where possible (e.g. leaving the cab window open); hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer; and regularly cleaning shared surfaces in the vehicle.

The letter also explains that reversing, uncoupling and recoupling manoeuvres will be conducted at the beginning of the test where possible. If the candidate fails these manoeuvres, the test will be terminated at that point, thereby preventing the need for examiners and candidates to sit within close proximity in the cab during the test, when the candidate has already failed.

A copy of the Chief Executive’s letter can be found here.

For further guidance contact Backhouse Jones on 01254 828300.