Chaos on the Roads: Major Driving Test Strikes Hit UK
Driving test candidates beware! PCS union members are striking across the nation, threatening to throw pay, pensions, jobs, and redundancy terms disputes into the fast lane. This means widespread disruption to driving tests throughout December 2022 and January 2023.
Which Tests Are Taking a Blow?
The strike will slam the brakes on many types of driving tests, including:
- Car and motorcycle practical tests
- Vocational tests – lorries, buses, coaches, minibuses
- Tractor and specialist vehicle tests
- Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) tests – Part 2 (driving ability) and Part 3 (instructional skills)
- ADI standards checks
- Moped and motorcycle compulsory basic training (CBT) checks (note: training courses continue unaffected)
Good news: Theory tests remain untouched.
Private Test Providers Escape the Strike
If you’re booked with a private test provider, you’re off the hook. Private providers handling:
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Part 3a (off-road exercises)
- Driver CPC Part 4 (practical demonstrations)
will carry on as normal, strike-free.
Strike Dates & Hotspots
The PCS union’s strike schedule targets various driving test centres over December and January. Here’s what you need to know:
North-East England & Scotland
Affected test centres include Aberdeen North & South, Airdrie, Ayr, Bishopbriggs, Blyth, Darlington (including LGV), Dumfries, Dundee, Durham, Edinburgh (Currie & Musselburgh), Elgin, Gateshead, Glasgow locations, and many more. Other centres in the region may also see disruption.
North-West England & Yorkshire & Humber
Test sites in Atherton, Barnsley, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Bradford, Carlisle, Chester, Doncaster, Grimsby, Halifax, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester locations, Sheffield, York, and surrounding areas are all on the strike radar.
Midlands, East & Parts of London
Warning for candidates at Birmingham, Barking, Barnet, Basildon, Cambridge, Derby, Leicester, Luton, Nottingham, Northampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Watford, and more. Various centres across these regions face potential test cancellations.
London, South-East, South-West England & Wales
Test centres in Ashford, Aylesbury, Bromley, Bristol, Canterbury, Cardiff, Exeter, Guildford, Hastings, Maidstone, Newport, Oxford, Plymouth, Reading, Southampton, Swansea, Wrexham, and dozens more have PCS strike looming.
Check Before You Drive
The DVSA and PCS union advise candidates to check if their local test centres are affected before travelling. Some centres not officially listed could still face last-minute disruption. Keep an eye on official channels for updates on the day of your test.
Don’t let the strike stall your licence! Stay informed, and prepare for delays across the UK’s driving test centres this winter.
