Revealed: The Big Changes to the Driving Test From Today

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Revealed: The Big Changes to the Driving Test From Today

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, and one area that’s been particularly affected is the process of taking your driving test. After a long period of uncertainty and delays, driving tests have finally restarted, but with several important changes. These updates aim to reduce the risk of spreading the virus while ensuring that the driving test remains a fair and accurate assessment of your skills behind the wheel. Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or someone rebooking after a delay, here’s everything you need to know before, during, and after your driving test in the new post-pandemic world.

What You Need to Check Before Heading Out for Your Driving Test

Before you even get in the car, there are some important checks to make sure you’re ready for the big day.

1. Check for COVID-19 Symptoms

If you or anyone in your household has experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in the last seven days, or if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has, you will need to cancel your test. This is essential for everyone’s safety and health. If you start to show symptoms within three days before your test, you can reschedule it without losing your fee.

For more details on government guidelines, visit the official health website.

2. Have Your Documents Ready

Make sure to bring all required documents with you, such as your provisional license, any confirmation emails, and your ID. Additionally, remember to wear a face mask as it is mandatory during the test.

What to Expect Before Your Driving Test

So, what should you expect when you arrive at the test center? There are a few important changes in the pre-test process that you’ll need to prepare for.

3. Arrival Time and Preparation

You must arrive no more than five minutes before your scheduled test time. This ensures there is enough time for your instructor to sanitize the car, particularly the areas the examiner will come into contact with, such as the seatbelt, seat adjusters, and headrests.

4. Waiting Outside the Test Center

Waiting rooms are currently closed to maintain social distancing. As a result, you’ll need to wait outside until your test begins. Be sure to dress according to the weather, as you may have to wait for a little while.

5. Access to Toilet Facilities

Good news for test-takers – the rules around toilet access have changed! Previously, only pregnant individuals or those with a disability could use the facilities. Now, all candidates are allowed to use the restroom, which is a relief for anyone feeling particularly nervous.

6. COVID-19 Tracing Confirmation

When the examiner approaches you, they will confirm that you’re participating in the government’s Test and Trace program. This is a safety measure to ensure that contact details can be passed on if there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19 during the test. If you refuse, your test will be canceled.

What to Expect During Your Driving Test

With the pandemic, several aspects of the driving test have changed to ensure everyone’s safety while still maintaining the integrity of the assessment.

7. No Additional Passengers

In the past, your instructor or a supporting driver may have been allowed to sit in the back during the test. However, this is no longer the case, as having an additional person in the car is considered a health risk. Only you and the examiner will be present.

8. Wearing a Face Mask Throughout the Test

It’s now mandatory to wear a face mask throughout the test. If you have any issues with your mask during the test, you can stop briefly to adjust it. However, the examiner may cancel the test if they feel the mask issue poses a safety risk.

9. Dealing with Health Issues During the Driving Test

If either you or the examiner feels unwell during the test (for example, developing a cough or showing symptoms of illness), the test will be stopped immediately. This is to ensure safety for both parties.

10. Faults During the Test

Previously, if you made a serious or dangerous fault, the examiner would often allow the test to continue for experience’s sake. However, now, if you make a major fault that would result in a fail, the examiner will end the test early and ask you to return to the test center.

This is done to minimize the time spent in the car together, limiting the risk of exposure.

What to Expect After Your Driving Test

After the test, there are still a few changes you should be aware of regarding the post-test process.

11. Exiting the Car and Receiving Your Feedback

Once the test is completed, you’ll be asked to leave the car before receiving your result. This helps ensure social distancing between you and the examiner.

12. Instructor’s Feedback

If you would like your instructor to hear the feedback, they may do so, but only if the examiner feels it is safe to allow them into the area. Again, safety is the priority here.

Conclusion: How These Changes Affect Your Driving Test Experience

The changes to the driving test are designed to balance public health concerns with the need for thorough and accurate testing. While the process may feel a bit different, the goal is to ensure that the test remains a fair evaluation of your driving skills while keeping everyone safe. Whether it’s arriving early, wearing a mask, or adhering to new rules regarding passengers and health checks, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of success.

Remember, the key is to stay calm, follow the new procedures, and focus on your driving skills. Your safety and the safety of the examiner are important, but so is your ability to drive competently and confidently. Good luck!

FAQs

1. Can I reschedule my driving test if I feel sick?
Yes, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or feel unwell within three days of your test, you can reschedule without losing your fee.

2. Do I have to wear a face mask during the entire driving test?
Yes, it is mandatory to wear a mask during the entire test, except when your identity is being verified.

3. Can my instructor sit in the back during the test?
No, due to health and safety regulations, only the examiner will be allowed in the car with you.

4. What happens if I make a major mistake during the test?
If you make a serious or dangerous fault, the examiner will cancel the test immediately and ask you to return to the test center.

5. What should I do if my mask keeps slipping during the test?
If your mask is causing issues, you can stop to adjust it. However, if it continues to be a problem, the examiner may cancel the test.

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