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Driving tests face delays as PCS union announces five more strike dates for June 2023

14:46, 08 June 2023

updated: 14:48, 08 June 2023

Learner drivers are facing more disruption this month as driving examiners prepare to strike on five separate occasions.

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

Strikes saw examiners last walk out in April. Image: iStock.
Strikes saw examiners last walk out in April. Image: iStock.

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. It follows industrial action the union initially took back in April.

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

Learners are being told to attend any dates they’ve booked unless contacted. Image: iStock.
Learners are being told to attend any dates they’ve booked unless contacted. Image: iStock.

The strikes are being split into two regional days of action.

On Thursday, June 15, Friday, June 16 and Monday, June 19 union members in London, south east England, the south west and Wales will all strike.

On Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23 this will be followed by those working in the north east, north west, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, eastern areas of England and other parts of London.

Test examiners are walking out on five more dates in June. Image: iStock.
Test examiners are walking out on five more dates in June. Image: iStock.

The strike action will not affect theory tests.

Learner drivers with a test appointment 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.

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