The strike continues to disrupt essential services as unions withdraw from disputes over wages and working conditions amid a cost-of-living crisis.
The strikes this year have affected everything from trains and Royal Mail deliveries to nurses, ambulances and NHS teachers.
The driving testers, represented by the Union of Public and Commercial Services (PCS), are launching new actions in March that will abolish driving tests.
The strike is part of a nationwide PCS union campaign for wages, pensions, jobs and layoffs. Here’s everything you need to know.
When will the driving tester go on strike?
In March, driving inspectors went on strike for more than 11 days. There is a nationwide action day Wednesday, March 15while other strikes are regional in nature.
Here is the full schedule:
- Monday 6 March and Tuesday 7 March – London and the South East of England
- Thursday 9 March and Friday 10 March – South West England and Wales
- Wednesday, March 15 – from UK
- Monday 20 March and Tuesday 21 March – East Anglia, East Midlands, West Midlands and parts of London
- Thursday 23 March and Friday 24 March – North West England, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Monday 27 March and Tuesday 28 March – North East England and Scotland
A strike can have consequences for:
- driving exams
- test engine
- Driving tests for trucks, buses, coaches and minibuses (so-called professional tests)
- Driving tests for tractors or special vehicles
- Recognized Driving Instructor (ADI) Examination Part 2 (Driving Skills) or Part 3 (Pedagogical Skills)
- ADI Standard Exams
- Compulsory Basic Moped and Motorcycle Training (CBT) tests, but not the training itself
Theoretical exams are not affected.
A full list of testing centers affected by the strike can be found here.
How to change the driving test?
You must report for your driving test if it falls on a strike date as scheduled, unless the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) contacts you to stop you from going. If you do not show up for your appointment, you will lose your test reimbursement and you will have to reschedule the test yourself.
DVSA will automatically schedule your driving test if it cannot be taken due to a strike.
You will receive new data within five to ten business days. You do not need to contact DVSA for this.
If you wish to change your test date yourself, you must notify us at least three full business days in advance or you will be charged again. Working days are from Monday to Saturday, but not Sunday and public holidays.
You can change your appointment online through the central government website here. This service is available from 06:00 to 23:40.