Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2020 to Question 57396 on Driving Tests: Coronavirus, what consultation he has undertaken on whether to bring forward amending legislation to allow (a) refunds of theory test fees and (b) applicants to resit the test free of charge where a theory test certificate expired during the covid-19 outbreak resulting in a candidate being unable to sit their practical test.

The two-year validity period of the theory test certificate is set in legislation and the Government has decided not to lay further legislation to extend it; therefore, no consultation has been undertaken.

The main reason the two-year validity of a theory test certificate is in place is to ensure a candidate’s theoretical knowledge of driving remains current. Extending the validity would erode that assurance. It is important that road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills are up to date as learners prepare to take their practical test. Learners will therefore need to pass another theory test if their certificate expires. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency realises this will affect and disappoint some learners.