Driving tests in the UK face disruption and cancellations as PCS union examiners go on strike

Learner drivers are facing major disruption this week as driving examiners go on strike.

Car driving tests, motorcycle tests, lorry, bus, coach and minibus vocational tests and specialist practical exams for vehicles such as tractors will all be affected by the walk outs.

The industrial action is being led by the PCS union as it attempts to strike a deal with bosses over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.

A number of regional strikes are taking place alongside one nationwide day of action.

Joining driving test examiners in the strikes will also be PCS union members working as vehicle testers for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

On Monday and Tuesday union members in the East of England, East Midlands, and parts of London went on strike.

They will be followed on Thursday (April 27) by those working in the South East, South West, Wales and London.

Friday (April 28) will see a nationwide strike of all examiners and vehicle test staff who belong to the PCS union.

The strike action will not affect theory tests.

Learner drivers with a test appointment in the coming days are being told to go along as planned, even if it is on a day of strike action, unless contacted.

The DVSA is automatically rebooking tests if they cannot go ahead because of strike action and new details will be sent within five to 10 working days. Anyone disrupted by the strikes, it adds, will be able to claim ‘out of pocket’ expenses.