Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to provide early access post-lockdown to (a) driving theory tests and (b) practical driving tests for (i) key workers including those who work in health or social care, (ii) essential workers including those in waste management, distribution and infrastructure, (iii) other workers for whom a driving licence is an essential requirement and (iv) people with disabilities and their carers; and if he will make a statement.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is in discussions with Transport Scotland to provide driving theory tests and practical driving tests for frontline mobile emergency workers. Transport Scotland is working to ensure it has the relevant legislation is in place before offering the service.

The DVSA is working with its theory test contract provider, Pearson VUE, to respond to requests for theory tests in England and Wales from organisations such as Ambulance Authorities on behalf of frontline mobile emergency workers who require a driving licence to carry out duties in their employment role. The DVSA will also respond to requests for practical driving tests in England and Wales from organisations on behalf of frontline mobile emergency workers, who require a driving licence to carry out duties in their employment role.

This is a limited service subject to examiner resource and is restricted to candidates working in health and social care, and other public bodies involved in work responding to ‘threats to life’ such as the Environment Agency’s flood rescue staff, or local authority gritter truck drivers. The DVSA is contacting NHS Trusts to explain how to nominate candidates; candidates cannot apply themselves. Applications from other organisations will be considered if the mobile emergency worker criteria is met.

The DVSA is in the process of planning for the resumption of services and increasing test capacity when it is safe to do so. Arrangements will be announced in due course.