Millions of driving license tests annulled as stringent restrictions due to covid-19 go into effect
About 950 practical driving tests were cancelled in Northern Ireland due to the extension of coronavirus restrictions during the month of November, the Department for Infrastructure has said. While similar reports from the USA, UK and other European countries report seemingly higher numbers of cancelled tests, some states in the USA are reporting new measures and behaviours to adopt during tests to help protect the examiner and other candidates as well.
Tests, which were cancelled with other "close contact services", had to resume from 20 November. Delays to this date were earlier on expected but more is still concealed on this till date.
Dundonald-based instructor Ben Light said 20 of his pupils have had tests cancelled.
He expressed their dissatisfaction and frustration to this as their plans were delayed. He however revealed to us he was sad yet understood the reasons for the restrictions as he stresses how responsible everyone has to be.
The examinations had been relaunched in most countries around the world from the initial lockdown in March, but had been halted again in Ireland and some other European countries, with only preventive measures implemented in others like the United States.
The examinations had resumed in Northern Ireland in September after they were initially cancelled due to the lockdown in March.
Tests and lessons were stopped again in October when the Northern Ireland Executive announced new restrictions to last for four weeks.
On Thursday, ministers voted to extend the measures.
The Department for Infrastructure said to offer capacity for those clients who have had tests cancelled, the DVA was creating "additional slots" in late November, December and January.
The DVA would make all of February's test slots exclusively available to these customers for a limited period, a spokesperson added.
'Knocks their confidence'
The practical test makes up part of the driving test, with learners also needing to pass a theory test to obtain their licence.
The Department for Infrastructure said the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) had contacted about 950 customers on Friday who had tests scheduled between 14-20 November.
They were advised that "their test is being cancelled and their fee will be refunded", a spokesperson said.
"The DVA will be in contact with those customers again early next week with advice on how they can book a new driving test appointment."
The department added that 21 November was chosen "to give driving test candidates an opportunity to avail of some tuition in advance of their test".
As for measures in Countries like the USA for all those pupils going in for test, much has evolved during the pandemic. More directives have been sent out by states to help during the period.
-Firstly, When you arrange your test, you’ll need to say if there’s a good reason you cannot wear a face covering when you take your test.
-You might not be able to take a test at your preferred test centre.
When you come for your driving test, Do not arrive for your driving test more than 5 minutes before your appointment time. This is because, Some driving test centre waiting rooms are closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can check if the waiting room will be open before your test.
There are Rules for the car you use during this driving test as well. You must clean the inside of your car before your test. This means:
tidying any unnecessary items away from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats
wiping down the dashboard and car controls
The examiner will do an additional clean of some surfaces.
The car you use for your test must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test. Any combination of windows can be opened - for example, one from the front and one from the back. Wear clothing suitable for the weather.
Safety precautions
DVSA has introduced safety precautions. These include:
driving examiners wearing face coverings - they might also choose to wear gloves and use disposable seat covers, limiting the number of people arriving for a driving test at the same time, not allowing your driving instructor or supervising driver to sit in the back during your test.
Stringent lockdowns and precautions in most countries has led to a surge in duplicate driver's license online being the most solicited and easy to use services for risk taking party lovers and travellers who use the least opportunity they have in these rare moments to travel while getting fast and easy online driving license services.