The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has warned that further driving tests could be cancelled in April as strikes across the sector continue.
Some examiners who are part of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will strike regionally across eight dates next month. The strikes are part of national industrial action by the PCS union over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.
The DVSA said tests will not be affected by the strike action if they are taken with a private test provider. It has also advised learner drivers to go ahead with their driving test appointment as planned, even if it falls on a strike day, unless DVSA contacts you to tell you not to go.
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If your test cannot go ahead due to strike action, then DVSA will automatically rebook your driving test. Learner drivers do not need to contact the DVSA and the new details will be sent within five to 10 working days. You’ll also be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses.
The DVSA also noted that not all examiners are PCS union members, and even if they are, they might choose not to go on strike. But people have the option to change their tests to another date, as long as they give three working days' notice.
When and where will the strikes take place in April?
The strikes will take place regionally over eight dates. They are as follows:
- Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 April - North East England and Scotland
- Thursday 20 and Friday 21 April - North West England and Yorkshire and the Humber
- Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 April - East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands and parts of London
- Thursday 27 and Friday 28 April - London, South East England, South West England and Wales
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