The DVSA has warned that those who are learning to drive and have a test booked may face disruption or cancellation as examiners take part in mass strike action.
On Friday, April 28, driving examiners who are part of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union are planning UK-wide industrial action amid rows over pay.
It follows two previous days of strike action for driving instructors in Scotland last week, and this upcoming walk-out is set to cover driving test centres all over the country.
The DVSA has confirmed that this won't affect theory tests, but practical driving tests only.
The strike is likely to affect those who are sitting car, motorcycle, lorry, bus, tractor or any specialised vehicle tests, and members of the PCS union have shared that they'll be walking out at the following Scottish test centres.
Affected test centres in Scotland
- Aberdeen North
- Aberdeen South (Cove)
- Airdrie
- Ayr
- Bishopbriggs
- Dumfries
- Dundee
- Edinburgh (Currie)
- Edinburgh (Musselburgh)
- Elgin
- Glasgow (Anniesland)
- Glasgow (Baillieston)
- Glasgow (Shieldhall)
- Grangemouth
- Greenock
- Hamilton
- Inverness (Seafield Road)
- Irvine
- Kilmarnock LGV
- Kirkcaldy
- Livingston
- Paisley
- Perth (Arran Road)
- Peterhead
- Stirling
Tests might also be affected at other driving test centres that are not listed, but DVSA won't know this until the day of the strike action.
But if you've booked in for your test with a private instructor, your examination should go ahead as normal.
What to do on the day of your test
Those who have a practical driving test booked for Friday, April 23 should attend it as normal, unless you've been contacted by the DVSA and told otherwise.
If you don't show up you will lose the fee you've already paid and be forced to re-book the test yourself.
But if the strike action means your test can't go ahead, DVSA will automatically arrange another examination for you and send you the new details within 5-10 working days.
How to change your test date
If your test is booked for this Friday and you want to change it, you can do so on the Government website. You'll need to give at least three days' notice or you'll have to pay for it again.
Not every driving examiner is a member of the PCS union, and so they may not all choose to go on strike - meaning you should attend if it's still booked for Friday.
Tips for saving time and money whilst waiting for a test
If your driving test has been cancelled and you're waiting around for a new one, there are some things you can do in the meantime to assure that you're definitely ready when the time comes.
Experts at Confused.com have suggested a couple of ways that learner drivers can save time and money in the run-up to the test.
Look out for cancellations
Cancellation-finding apps such as Testi, Driving Cancellations NOW and Driving Test Genie offer notifications of when driving test slots become available due to cancellations. Using these apps could help you take your test sooner than the test date you have booked.
Make sure you have learner driver insurance
Rather than having costly private lessons, you might choose to learn with a friend or family member. If this is the case, you can ask them to add you to their policy as a named driver or take out your own insurance for their car. Insurance companies might give you a discount if someone more experienced is on your policy. However, if you are learning in your car, you should take out provisional car insurance.
Check that you are learning to drive with someone who is legally allowed
Check your policy conditions to ensure you are driving legally. For instance, some insurance companies require the person supervising you to be over 25 years old or to have held their driving licence for at least 3 years. The car you practise in also must have a valid MOT and car tax.
Lower the cost of learner driver insurance
The cost of your provisional insurance can differ based on your car’s make and model. A car with a small engine and no modifications may be cheaper to insure than an expensive sports car. Also storing your car somewhere safe and secure could bring down the cost of your cover and paying annually instead of monthly can eliminate interest building up.
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