UPDATED: Driving Examiner Strikes – Will They Affect You & Your Test?

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

UPDATED: Driving Examiner Strikes – Will They Affect You & Your Test?

Outline

1. Introduction
   • Overview of the ongoing driving examiner strikes
   • Key concerns: test cancellations, rescheduling, and what it means for learner drivers
2. Why Are Driving Examiners Striking?
   • Details of the demands made by driving examiners
   • Overview of union involvement (PCS) and their role
3. Strikes Dates and Affected Regions
   • Timeline of strike periods
   • Specific regions affected
4. Services That May Be Affected
   • Car driving tests
   • Motorcycle and lorry tests
   • Approved driving instructor tests and checks
   • Moped and motorcycle CBT checks
5. Regions and Test Centers Affected by Strikes
   • Northeast England and Scotland
   • Northwest England and Yorkshire
   • East Midlands, East England, and parts of London
   • Southeast England, Southwest England, and Wales
6. Impact on Learner Drivers and Test Candidates
   • How cancellations may affect learner drivers’ test schedules
   • Rescheduling implications and wait times
7. DVSA’s Position on the Strike
   • Statements from DVSA about the strike’s impact
   • Measures they are taking to manage rescheduling
8. What to Do if Your Test is Affected
   • Step-by-step guide on what to do if your test is scheduled during a strike
   • Communication with DVSA and instructors
9. Will Theory Tests Be Affected?
   • Clarification that theory tests remain unaffected
   • Alternative testing options if needed
10. Alternative Arrangements for Driving Tests

• Options for those in urgent need of a driving test
• Private test bookings and wait times

11. Preparing for Test Rescheduling

• How to stay prepared if your test is rescheduled
• Tips for staying sharp with driving skills in the interim

12. Effects on Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs)

• How strikes affect ADIs and standards checks
• ADI test preparation amidst disruptions

13. What the Future Holds

• Potential outcomes if the demands are met or negotiations are successful
• Long-term effects on driving tests and services

14. Conclusion

• Summary of what learners should expect during this period
• Final thoughts on preparing and staying informed

15. FAQs

• Will my test automatically be rescheduled if it’s affected?
• How will I know if my local test center is affected?
• Are there any priority options for rescheduling?
• Can I request a refund if my test is canceled?
• How do I stay informed about potential future strikes?

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UPDATED: Driving Examiner Strikes – Will They Affect You & Your Test?

Driving tests are a milestone for many learner drivers, so news of upcoming strikes by driving examiners can cause stress and uncertainty. In December 2022 and January 2023, members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, representing driving examiners, began a series of rolling strikes to press for better pay and work conditions. If you have a driving test scheduled during this period, you may be wondering how it will affect you and what steps to take. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Are Driving Examiners Striking?

Driving examiners are requesting a 10% pay increase, better pensions, improved job security, and no reductions in redundancy benefits. The PCS union supports these demands, arguing that examiners have been underpaid and undervalued for years, with recent cost-of-living increases adding pressure. This strike is part of a broader movement within the public sector for improved compensation and working conditions.

Strike Dates and Affected Regions

The strikes will be carried out in stages, with different regions affected over a six-week period:

• December 13 – December 18: Northeast England and Scotland
• December 19 – December 24: Northwest England, Yorkshire, and the Humber
• December 28 – December 31, and January 3: East England, East Midlands, West Midlands
• January 4 – January 10: London, Southeast England, Southwest England, and Wales

Services That May Be Affected

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has warned that the following services could be disrupted:

• Car driving tests
• Motorcycle tests
• Lorry, bus, coach, and minibus driving tests
• Tractor or other specialized vehicle tests
• Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) part 2 and part 3 tests
• ADI standards checks
• Moped and motorcycle compulsory basic training (CBT) checks

Theory tests, however, are not affected by this strike.

Regions and Test Centers Affected by Strikes

Each region has specific test centers that may be affected by the strike. Here’s a breakdown of the major areas:

Northeast England and Scotland

Centers include Aberdeen, Ayr, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Sunderland, and others. Tests scheduled in these locations may face delays.

Northwest England and Yorkshire and the Humber

Centres like Barnsley, Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield may also see test disruptions during their scheduled strike period.

East Midlands, East England, and West Midlands

Key centers affected include Birmingham, Derby, Cambridge, and Colchester.

London, Southeast England, Southwest England, and Wales

Affected centers range from London-based facilities to locations in Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, and more.

Impact on Learner Drivers and Test Candidates

If your driving test is scheduled during one of the strike periods, there’s a chance it may be canceled. While the DVSA will attempt to reschedule your test promptly, you could experience delays due to high demand for new appointments. Many learners already face long waiting times, and these strikes may lead to further postponements.

DVSA’s Position on the Strike

The DVSA has stated that not all staff are union members, and some unionized staff may choose not to strike. They’re making efforts to ensure that affected candidates are rescheduled quickly, though delays should be expected.

What to Do if Your Test is Affected

If your test falls on a strike day, the DVSA will reach out to inform you and your instructor about the changes. Here’s what to expect:

1. Notification from DVSA: They will send a notification if your test is postponed.
2. New Appointment: A new test date will be arranged, and you will receive the booking details within 5-10 working days.
3. Stay Prepared: Continue practicing to ensure you’re ready for the new date.

Will Theory Tests Be Affected?

No, theory tests are not impacted by the strike action. You should be able to take your theory test as planned, even if other services are disrupted.

Alternative Arrangements for Driving Tests

For those who urgently need a driving test, private testing options or booking at a different test center might be possible. However, these options may come at a higher cost and could have their own scheduling challenges.

Preparing for Test Rescheduling

If your test is rescheduled, it’s essential to maintain your driving skills. Here are some tips:

• Regular Practice: Schedule regular lessons to stay sharp.
• Simulate Test Conditions: Practice mock tests to keep test-day nerves at bay.
• Stay Updated: Keep checking for updates from DVSA and your instructor.

Effects on Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs)

Strikes don’t just affect learners; they also impact driving instructors. With standards checks and tests for ADIs possibly disrupted, instructors may face similar rescheduling delays, impacting their workflow and availability.

What the Future Holds

If negotiations are successful, driving examiners could receive better pay and benefits, potentially minimizing future disruptions. However, if demands aren’t met, further strikes may occur.

Conclusion

While these strikes may cause inconvenience, staying informed and prepared can help you navigate the situation smoothly. Keep in contact with the DVSA and your instructor, and practice regularly to ensure you’re ready when your test day arrives.

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FAQs

1. Will my test automatically be rescheduled if it’s affected?
Yes, the DVSA will arrange a new date and send you the updated booking within 5-10 working days.

2. How will I know if my local test center is affected?
The DVSA will notify you if your test center is affected by the strikes. You can also contact your center directly for updates.

3. Are there any priority options for rescheduling?
Priority is typically given to those with urgent needs or those whose tests have already been delayed significantly. Contact the DVSA for more information.

4. Can I request a refund if my test is canceled?
You can request a refund, though rescheduling is generally the preferred option.

5. How do I stay informed about potential future strikes?
Check the DVSA website and follow updates from the PCS union for the latest information on strikes and their impact.

Main photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash