Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the scientific advice for the decision to include practical driving tests in the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown restrictions in England.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has indicated there is an enhanced risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in enclosed spaces. Due to prolonged indoor contact between people of different households, there is a significant risk of transmission. The November restrictions do not allow people to leave their homes except for specified purposes, which include childcare, education, health appointments and essential activities.

On this basis, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has suspended practical driver testing for the duration of the national restrictions, except for frontline NHS workers.