As the coronavirus pandemic progresses, PassMeFast is keeping a close eye on the latest developments. This includes adapting to any new advice provided by the government. In this post, we will outline PassMeFast’s response to the coronavirus, and answer some common questions you may have regarding the impact on our services.
Current status
Customers with ongoing bookings
All driver and rider training and tests in England are suspended until Wednesday, 2nd December. Disruption is likely to many of our courses. We apologise unreservedly for the inconvenience this may cause, and will contact you personally to inform you of the potential impact to your booking.
PassMeFast will be adopting a more flexible approach to rescheduling courses for the duration of the pandemic, and will not charge any fees if you cancel or change your test due to coronavirus.
Theory tests
Theory testing is suspended in England until Wednesday, 2nd December. In Wales and Scotland, theory testing is still taking place.
Anyone attending a theory test must wear a face covering, such as a mask. Limited exceptions exist for those who may find the wearing of a mask difficult, such as those with respiratory conditions.
Practical tests
Practical driving tests are suspended in England, and will restart on Wednesday, 2nd December. Practical tests are still taking place in Wales, and across most of Scotland, with the exception of areas under level 4 restrictions.
It is still possible to book a driving test to take place after the lockdown ends, and the queue system has now been removed. All bookings are subject to candidates having a valid theory test pass certificate and the correct driving licence for their test of choice.
Due to problems with the reopening of the test booking system, combined with a large backlog, candidates may experience delays. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you, and would like to thank you for your patience. We will be in contact with students individually once we have secured you a suitable appointment.
Driving lessons
Driving lessons are suspended in England. We will contact students individually to keep you updated regarding the potential impact to your course. We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time. Lessons are ongoing in Wales, and in most of Scotland, with the exception of areas under level 4 restrictions.
Outstanding balances
We urge all customers with an outstanding course balance to pay this in full as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure that your course runs smoothly, including allocating you a suitable local instructor, booking any required tests, and allowing lessons to go ahead on schedule.
Key workers
It is not currently possible for those working in key sectors of the economy to apply for an emergency test.
For urgent queries, please contact your Booking Agent via email, or by calling 0333 123 4949. Most members of staff will be working from home during the second national lockdown. We apologise for any disruption to our normal service that this may cause.
Potential customers
PassMeFast is accepting new bookings. If you are interested in any of our driving courses, please call us on 0333 123 4949, where a member of our team will be happy to help.
Please note that, given the current circumstances, our wait times for courses and tests may be longer than usual. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and would like to reassure you that we will be working hard to fast-track tests for all of our students.
FAQs
Customers with ongoing bookings
I have a booking with PassMeFast. Is it likely to continue as normal?
Disruption to courses in England is highly likely, particularly for those students whose lessons or tests were due to take place during the period from 5th November to 2nd December. We are offering all of our students the option to put their course on hold until these restrictions are lifted.
What is the current status of emergency tests for key workers?
It has not yet been announced whether emergency tests will be made available for those working in critical sectors of the economy during the second national lockdown. Should this option become available, we will work to identify and contact all affected students as quickly as possible.
I am currently taking a PassMeFast course, but have developed symptoms associated with COVID-19. What should I do?
If you have coronavirus symptoms, you must stay at home for a minimum of 7 days. Do not attend any lessons. Please inform PassMeFast as soon as possible, and we will inform your instructor. Your emergency test will be cancelled if you have any symptoms.
My instructor has developed symptoms associated with COVID-19. What steps should I take?
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should self-isolate. Please inform PassMeFast as soon as possible, and we will put your course on hold.
What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel my driving test as a result of COVID-19?
There are currently no fees to reschedule or cancel your driving test, even at short notice, due to coronavirus. If you need to do so, please contact us as soon as possible.
My theory test is due to expire soon. Will the DVSA extend the expiry period in light of the pandemic?
Unfortunately, the DVSA have announced that they will not extend expiry dates. If your theory test expires, you will need to take it again.
Potential customers
I’m interested in learning to drive with PassMeFast. When could my course start?
Given the lockdown restrictions in force in England, combined with high demand at present, our wait times may be longer than usual. For details on when you could begin taking lessons in your area, please call us on 0333 123 4949.
Will the pandemic have an impact upon course times and test dates?
With driver training and practical tests suspended in England during the second national lockdown, wait times will be longer for many customers. This is out of the control of PassMeFast. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and endeavour to help you pass as quickly as possible.
General
What precautions are being taken to ensure that driving tests are safe?
The DVSA have brought in protective measures to minimise the spread of the virus, and to protect both examiners and candidates. Anyone taking a theory or practical test must wear a face covering. If you are taking a practical test and are unable to wear a face covering, you must declare this when you arrange your appointment.
Candidates are also asked not to arrive more than 5 minutes before their specified appointment time. This minimises the number of people you could potentially come into contact with. Other safety measures being taken include:
- Ensuring that examiners wear clothing that fully covers their arms and legs
- Requiring examiners to wash their hands before entering the public waiting area, wear gloves for the duration of the test, and avoid touching their face
- Banning examiners from shaking the candidate’s hand
- Preventing candidates from touching the examiner’s iPad, stylus, or any paperwork used
- Checking the candidate’s signature and driving licence without the examiner physically handling it
- Not allowing any accompanying driver or ADI to sit in on the test, or to listen to the debrief at the end
- Stopping tests from going ahead if a candidate is unwell, or terminating the test partway through if the candidate becomes unwell during the drive
- Building in extra time for each test to ensure that examiners are able to carry out all the additional precautions
- Putting in place specific measures for the disposal of any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and wipes
Candidates must clean their car before the test, including tidying away any unnecessary items and wiping down the dashboard and car controls. During the test, at least one window on each side of the car must be open. The DVSA permits any combination of windows—e.g., one at the front and one at the back. It is therefore advisable to wear weather-appropriate clothing.
To minimise the amount of time spent in the car, tests will be curtailed in the event that a candidate fails the test partway through. Additionally, you will need to exit the vehicle at the end of your test to receive your feedback. The driving test itself will be carried out as normal, including general and independent driving sections, reversing manoeuvres, “show me, tell me” questions and an eyesight check.
Should I call the DVSA if I have any questions about driving tests or test centres?
The DVSA is likely to be experiencing a very high number of calls. Avoid calling them where possible. If you need to get in touch, contact them via Twitter.
Can I still contact the PassMeFast office team?
Yes. You can continue to contact us by phone at 0333 123 4949 or by emailing your Booking Agent if you already have a course.
Elaine frawley
23rd March 2020Hello
Could you ring me back to discuss an intensive driving course. I understand tests are postponed but i would like to start lessons. Thank you
Isobel Robb
25th March 2020Hi Elaine,
Thanks for showing an interest in our driving courses.
I’ve passed your information on to our Sales Team, so someone should be in touch with you shortly.
Kind regards,
Isobel
Jane
7th April 2020Hi there, am a student social worker, hoping to start employment in sep but on condition that I can drive. Any chance I can start to learn so when the test centres are open I can book my driving test then?
Andy Boardman
9th April 2020Hi Jane,
At the moment, we’re only offering lessons to key workers. However, if you book in now, we can prioritise your course to take place as soon as possible once the current restrictions end. This means you should be able to pass well ahead of September. If you’d like to learn more, you can take a look at our list of courses and prices to see which would suit you best.
Hope this helps.
Andy
Georgina
29th April 2020Hi,
I would like to take an intense driving course I am currently a critical role worker and would like to pass by June. Please email
Andy Boardman
30th April 2020Hi Georgina,
I’ve passed your details onto our sales team and they’ll be in touch in due course. Thanks for your interest in PassMeFast!
Andy
Georgia
10th May 2020Hi I’m a carer and would like to book lessons asap please for my job
Andy Boardman
12th May 2020Hi Georgia,
Thanks for your interest in PassMeFast. I’ve passed your details onto our sales team, who’ll be in touch shortly. All the best for your driving future!
Andy
Jonathan Ord
21st May 2020Hello,
I am hoping to be passed before University starts in September so I plan on taking my test by the end of August at the latest. If I booked with you can you guarantee me the lessons and a test before then and if I book but do not get a test in the allotted timeframe how do i claim a refund?
Thanks
Andy Boardman
26th May 2020Hi Jonathan,
As I’m sure you can appreciate, we aren’t able to guarantee exact course dates at present, as it’s still uncertain when driving tests will restart. We are, however, working to prioritise customers who pre-book with us, and will begin the process of fast-tracking your test as soon as the DVSA booking systems is reopen. If you’d like to chat to a member of our team to discuss this in further detail, please call 0333 123 4949.
Andy
Tim Fenby
23rd May 2020Hi
I am interested in booking my son onto an intensive driving course.
Please can you contact me to discuss the options.
Best regards,
Tim
Andy Boardman
26th May 2020Hi Tim,
Our team will be in contact with you shortly regarding your son’s course. Wishing him all the best with his driving!
Andy
isabelle smith
2nd June 2020hello,
Are student nurses classed a key workers?
Thank you
Andy Boardman
16th June 2020Hi Isabelle,
Student nurses are classed as key workers if they’re on placement.
Hope this helps,
Andy
Joseph
9th June 2020I would like to undertake an intensive driving course, can you provide me with available dates and prices?
Andy Boardman
16th June 2020Hi Joseph,
I’ve passed your details onto our sales team, who’ll be in touch with you soon. All the best with your driving journey!
Andy
Yolande
18th June 2020Andy Hi,
I am a professional worker and need to obtain from the DVLA an assessment of ability to drive. Do you have a Driving Instructor who is able to test me and hopefully advice me of any improvements that are preferable. I look forward to hearing from you?
Andy Boardman
18th June 2020Hi Yolande,
PassMeFast doesn’t offer driving assessments at this time. You would need to go to an organisation such as RoSPA or IAM RoadSmart to book an assessment.
Hope this helps!
Andy
Richard Turner
18th June 2020My daughter has had 2 Driving test exams cancelled due to Covid-19, and has been promised she will get priority for booking a new date once it is possible. problem is she hasn’t been in a car since March and will need some refresher courses again to get up to speed. Driving test has been paid for she’s currently at home and could do a 10 hour refresher course or similiar be it more or less hours…. would you be able to help us?
Andy Boardman
18th June 2020Hi Richard,
Thanks for your interest in our courses! A member of our sales team will be in touch shortly to discuss the best option for your daughter and to get her booked in.
All the best,
Andy
Jen Robinson
21st June 2020Hi can you email me please regarding courses 15 hours to 25 thanks Jen think I’ve made contact before
Andy Boardman
24th June 2020Hi Jen,
Thanks for your interest in PassMeFast! I’ve passed your details onto our sales team, who’ll be in contact with you soon. Best of luck with your driving!
Andy
Paula Wright
21st June 2020Hi, Andy, I’m a keyworker with the NHS, I was almost test ready at lockdown. Moving house in July need to be driving for my job. Can you help .
Thanks
Andy Boardman
24th June 2020Hi Paula,
Our team should certainly be able to help you apply for an emergency test and get on the road! I’ve passed your details onto our sales team, who’ll get in contact soon to discuss your course in further detail. Best of luck with your driving!
Andy
Rachel Newell
25th June 2020Hi , I need to pass my test asap I am a key worker I have had a couple test before but failed due to nerves. I did my last test 4 years ago and would need a theory as well .please could you give me some information and the best course for me ..
Andy Boardman
26th June 2020Hi Rachel,
We should certainly be able to help you get on the road! I’ve passed your details onto our sales team, who’ll be in contact with you shortly. Best of luck with your driving!
Andy
lee
16th September 2020hello my son needs an intensive course during half term dates 24 oct -1 Nov 2020 with a test, he has already got his theory. we are based in Eastbourne.
Bethany Hall
17th September 2020Hi Lee,
I’ve passed your details on to the PassMeFast team and they should be in touch shortly to discuss your options.
Bethany
Cheryl
4th November 2020Hi i am looking to book in for an intensive course, i am a key worker and i am wondering if you will be cobtjnuing lessons for us ? Cheryl
Andy Boardman
5th November 2020Hi Cheryl,
At present, the DVSA has not announced any plans to allow key workers to continue taking lessons during the lockdown period. However, we can certainly help you to get on the road when lockdown ends. If you’d like to chat about booking one of our courses, give our team a ring on 0333 123 4949.
Hope this helps!
Andy
Siddharth
8th November 2020Hi Andy,
I am a Keyworker, working in the NHS, and need to clear the Theory and Practical examinations ASAP. The usual booking portal is giving me the earliest theory examination in last week of December and subsequently it would be ages before I get a practical examination slot. Is there any provision for expediting the process, once the lockdown ends?
Thanks!
Andy Boardman
9th November 2020Hi Siddharth,
At PassMeFast, we always work to get our customers early theory and practical test dates. If you’d like to chat to our team about your requirements, then just call us on 0333 123 4949.
Hope this helps,
Andy
Munirudeen
20th November 2020Hi,
I am new to UK Bolton.I would like to get my driving licence. Please guide me .I don’t know the procedure.
Thanks
Andy Boardman
23rd November 2020Hi Munirudeen,
If you’re looking to get your licence, you’ve come to the right place! We have a range of different driving courses available to help you get on the road. If you’d like to find out more, visit our prices page, or call us on 0333 123 4949.
Andy