Learner drivers are being warned that driving tests may be cancelled and rescheduled this month as a wave of strike action over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms gets underway.
Driving test examiners who are part of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will take part in a series of rolling strikes across the country from December 13. The strikes are due to take place in different parts of the UK on different dates and will affect candidates taking tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses, tractors and other specialist vehicles.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as issued advice to drivers ahead of the strikes. People are being warned that practical tests may be unable to go ahead if they fall on strike dates, however theory tests will not be affected by the strikes.
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Not all examiners are PCS members and some who are may choose not to strike, which means tests may still be able to go ahead. However, learner drivers are able to cancel their test and reschedule ahead of the strikes if they wish.
You can change a test date online here. You won't have to pay again but you must make sure you give at least three days notice.
If your test falls on a strike date but you don't want to reschedule, you should go to your driving test appointment as planned unless the DVSA contacts you to tell you not to go. You will lose your fee for the test if you do not attend the test, and you’ll have to rebook your test yourself.
If your test cannot go ahead because of the strike, the DVSA will automatically rebook your driving test for another date. You will be sent the new details within five to 10 working days.
When and where are the strikes being held?
Strikes will be held between December 13 and January 10 across the UK. Each region will strike over a period of between five and seven days.
- North east England and Scotland: Tuesday, December 13 to Sunday, December 18
- North west England and Yorkshire and the Humber: Monday, December 19 to Saturday, December 24
- East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands and parts of London: Wednesday, December 28 to Saturday, December 31, and Tuesday, January 3
- London, south east England, south west England and Wales: Wednesday, January 4 to Tuesday, January 10
You can find a full list of the test centres affected by the strikes here.
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