An email alert from the DSA:
YouTube video: Driving tests in bad weather – what you need to do
DSA has published a new video on YouTube so driving test candidates know what they need to do if there’s snow or ice in their area on the day of their practical driving test.
If you run your own website, you can embed the video, or share it on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Watch the video on YouTube
I’ve fixed the link to YouTube – the one in the email is completely messed up and doesn’t work.
The video sound quality is terrible on speakers – why they chose to film it outside Nottingham Castle next to all the traffic is anyone’s guess. I can’t even figure out why it is a video at all – probably something to do with the target group, I’d guess.
Here’s a basic summary:
- the service the DSA offers can be disrupted by bad weather
- for safety reasons, they do not do practical driving tests in snow & ice
- read your appointment letter/email and do what it says
- phone the test centre on the day of the test only if there is snow or ice
- call about 2 hours before your test
- it might take several tries because examiners might be out checking the roads
- if you have an early morning test, call as early as you can because they won’t know that it is cancelled the day before
- the test covers all types of roads, so just because the main roads near you are clear, side roads might still be icy, and that is why tests cannot go ahead
- they realise it is disappointing if your test is cancelled but they don’t do it without good reason
- your test is rearranged automatically and you won’t be charged for it
- the new date will usually come through within 3 working days, but it could take up to 7 working days during long spells of bad weather
- they are trying to keep test waiting times down, but if the bad weather continues it might lead to longer waiting times in some areas
I would just add that some test centres are highly realistic and CAN cancel tests the day before.
You might also want to consider the option where it is icy where you are but the test centre says your test will be going ahead – make sure you explain this to them clearly, but just accept that if it is 12ºC at the test centre then it’s unlikely to get you anywhere.