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

Following the latest government advice, PassMeFast is suspending lessons for most customers while the current lockdown is in force. This period will last for at least three weeks starting from Monday, 23rd March.

We are asking all of our students to complete this form. This will help us to determine which of our students work in key sectors of the economy, and who may be eligible to take emergency theory and practical tests, which are still taking place while the lockdown is in force. We are currently assessing all submissions as quickly as possible, and will be in contact with you once we have processed your form.

If you qualify for an emergency test, we will make provisions for your lessons to continue. We may require additional information from you to assess your eligibility, and will be in contact with you over the coming days and weeks. Please contact us if you think you may qualify for these tests.

The DVSA are suspending driving tests for all other candidates for a period of up to three months. If your test is cancelled, it will typically be rescheduled for around three months after the original date. You will not receive the rescheduling email straight away; this will arrive around 2 weeks before your original test date.

All theory test centres are currently closed, and all theory tests until Monday, 20th April have been postponed. It is still currently possible to book tests after this date, but the DVSA does not rule out closing test centres for a longer period.

We will be adopting a more flexible approach to rescheduling courses for the duration of the pandemic. We will not charge any fees if you cancel or change your test due to coronavirus.

For urgent queries, please contact your Booking Agent via email, or by calling 0333 123 4949. Please note that all members of staff are currently working remotely. We apologise for any disruption to our normal service that this may cause.

Potential customers

PassMeFast is continuing to accept 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.

If you work in a key sector of the economy, we may be able to arrange driving lessons and emergency theory and practical tests for you over the coming weeks. Please contact us if you think you may qualify.

If you are not a key worker, we will make arrangements for you to start your lessons once the current lockdown has ended. We will also arrange for your test to take place as early as possible once theory and driving tests are running again.

FAQs

Customers with ongoing bookings

I have a booking with PassMeFast. Is it likely to continue as normal?

As driving tests have now been suspended, most students will experience delays to their driving courses. We are offering all of our students the option to put their course on hold until current restrictions are lifted. Lessons will only go ahead where we have identified that a student works in a key sector of the economy and is eligible for an emergency test.

I am a key worker. Can I still take my test?

Please get in contact with us if you work in any of the key sectors. We will then get in contact with the DVSA to check your eligibility, and to arrange your theory and practical tests. Please note that, even if you do qualify for an emergency test, your new appointment is likely to differ from the one you currently have booked.

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. This applies even if you are a key worker.

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. Please note that all theory tests until Monday, 20th April have been postponed, and practical tests will be postponed for up to three months.

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. This will apply even if you were due to take a practical test which was later cancelled as a result of COVID-19.

Potential customers

I’m interested in learning to drive with PassMeFast. When could my course start?

While the lockdown is in place, it will not be possible for most customers to begin lessons. Additionally, theory tests are postponed until after Monday, 20th April, and practical tests are suspended for a period of up to three months, ending Saturday, 20th June at the latest.

If you are a key worker, you may be exempt from some of these rules. In such instances, you may qualify for emergency theory and practical tests, which are continuing to take place. If you fall into this category, you may be able to start lessons with us even during the lockdown.

I’m interested in learning to drive, and believe I qualify for emergency tests. Can I book with PassMeFast?

Yes. If you work in a key sector for the economy, we can help you to get your licence. Ring in to discuss your options with a member of the team. Please note that we cannot guarantee specific dates for tests.

I’m interested in booking a course, but I do not work in a key sector. Can I still book?

Yes. We will make arrangements for your course to start once the current restrictions have been lifted. You will be able to start your course at any point in the future, with no time limit. Many of our students are opting for this approach, which gives you the opportunity to get ahead of the rush later in the year.

Will the pandemic have an impact upon course times and test dates?

All theory tests until Monday, 20th April have been postponed, as have all practical tests for up to three months. This is out of the control of PassMeFast, and will have a knock-on impact on most courses. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and endeavour to help you pass as quickly as possible.

General

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, by web chat from the PassMeFast homepage, or by emailing your Booking Agent if you already have a course.