Some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union have announced plans to take strike action from Thursday, February 8, to Sunday, February 11, 2024. The strike action is in response to measures undertaken by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) aimed at reducing driving test waiting times for the public.
Affected Tests: The strike action may impact various types of driving tests, including:
- Car driving tests
- Motorcycle tests
- Lorry, bus, coach, and minibus driving tests (referred to as vocational tests)
- Tractor or specialist vehicle driving tests
- Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 (driving ability) or part 3 (instructional ability) tests
- ADI standards checks
- Moped and motorcycle compulsory basic training (CBT) checks (excluding the training courses themselves)
However, it is important to note that theory tests will not be affected by the strike action.
Tests with Private Providers: Tests conducted with private test providers, including some Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 3a (off-road exercise) tests and Driver CPC part 4 (practical demonstration) tests, will proceed unaffected by the strike action.
Changing Test Dates: Individuals scheduled for driving tests during the strike period have the option to change their test date. However, a minimum notice of 3 clear working days is required for rescheduling to avoid additional charges.
Attendance at Test Appointments: Candidates are advised to attend their driving test appointments as scheduled unless otherwise informed by DVSA. DVSA will directly contact individuals affected by the strike action regarding instructor tests, including ADI part 2 and part 3 tests, and ADI standards checks. Failure to attend scheduled appointments may result in loss of fees, requiring candidates to rebook tests independently.
Test Cancellations and Rebooking: DVSA will automatically rebook driving tests affected by the strike action and notify candidates of the new appointment details within 5 to 10 working days. Additionally, individuals will have the opportunity to claim out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to test cancellations.
Claiming Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Candidates who have attended their tests and experienced cancellations can claim out-of-pocket expenses. Detailed guidance and an application form are available to assist in the process.
DVSA acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the strike action and appreciates the patience of affected individuals.
For further information and updates, please visit the DVSA website or contact DVSA customer support.