The DVSA has lifted the Covid rules and regulations that have been in place for people taking driving tests in Wales during the pandemic. Whilst thousands of driving tests in Wales were cancelled or postponed at the height of the pandemic, tests have been running again for several months now - but with tight Covid-19 restrictions in place. However, as of March 28, the Covid regulations affecting people taking driving tests in Wales are no longer in force.
Among the rules the Agency has lifted, people taking driving tests in Wales no longer have to wear a face-covering - though they are strongly advised to do so - and instructors and accompanying drivers can now sit-in on driving tests, if the student being examined wishes. The DVSA will also no longer ask people to take a lateral flow test before their driving test, and students no longer have to cancel their driving test if they test positive for coronavirus - though they are strongly encouraged to.
The lifting of the rules comes just three weeks after some rules were already changed, and at the same time as the Welsh Government lifting nearly all of Wales' restrictions brought in during the pandemic . From Monday, March 28, face-coverings have not been compulsory in shops or on public transport in Wales, though they are still required in health and social care settings. For a full list of the Covid rules that were lifted on Monday - and the only two remaining - read our previous coverage here.
In a notice from the DVSA to driving instructors, the Agency outlines the lifting of restrictions. Their statement says: "We are lifting Covid-19 restrictions affecting driving tests in Wales from March 28, in line with the announcement that some of the remaining Welsh restrictions are ending from this date.
"The changes in Wales include: face coverings are no longer a legal requirement for your pupils [those taking the driving test] to wear on a driving test but the Welsh Government strongly advises that they continue to do so; [people taking driving tests] will no longer be asked to let us know in advance of their driving test if they cannot wear a face covering; instructors and accompanying drivers are able to sit in on driving test; [people taking driving tests] no longer have to self-isolate if they have Covid, but we encourage them to rearrange their test if they feel unwell for any reason; DVSA will no longer ask [people taking driving tests] to consider doing a lateral flow test on the day of their test."
The statement continues: "The Welsh Government strongly advises learner drivers and driving instructors to continue to wear face coverings on driving lessons in Wales."
Are you pleased that the majority of Covid rules have now been lifted in Wales? Have your say in the comments below this article.
The rules that have now been lifted by the DVSA
Face coverings no longer required
People taking driving tests no longer have to wear a face-covering during their test - though they are "strongly advised" to do so by the Welsh Government, the DVSA said. Plus, people taking driving tests no longer have to inform the DVSA if they're not going to be wearing a face covering for their driving test. Driving examiners can choose to wear a facecovering, if they wish. Face-coverings are also no longer compulsory during driving lessons, but are strongly advised.
Accompanying drivers are now allowed
The DVSA has lifted the rule brought in during the pandemic that accompanying drivers and driving instructors (known as ADIs- approved driving instructors) could not sit-in on driving tests in Wales. Driving examiners will now ask people taking their tests if they want someone to sit in the back of the car during their test, and/or be with them when they receive the result and feedback.
People who have tested positive for Covid no longer have to cancel their driving test
Driving test candidates who have tested positive for Covid up to five days before their driving test are encouraged not to attend their test, to help reduce the spread of the virus, but cancelling is no longer a legally requirement. Nonetheless, candidates are encouraged to cancel their test if they have tested positive. To do this, a candidate should email: customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk with the subject "COVID-19 short notice cancellation" to rearrange their test.
Driving test candidates no longer have to do a lateral flow
People taking their driving test in Wales are no longer being asked to do a lateral flow Covid test on the day of their test. During the pandemic, people taking their driving tests were asked to do a lateral flow test shortly before their test, even if they didn't have any Covid symptoms.
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