Testing times for tractor drivers
With many farms relying on help from students over harvest time, the growing need for these youngsters to be able to pass their driving tests in order to keep the wheels of the industry turning has been raised.
And yesterday NFU Scotland said that while driving tests were still suspended, critical workers could apply for an emergency driving test through the DVSA portal – and agricultural workers were included in this category.
“The DVSA are currently conducting driving tests using volunteer driving examiners and three categories of critical workers are justifiably being prioritised now: NHS workers; care workers and emergency services personnel, for example paramedics,” said the union’s legal and technical committee chairman, Tom French.
“If it is not possible for an agricultural worker to get a test at this time, applicants will be informed of this by email and placed on hold until there are more appointments available.”
He added that from Monday 6 July, the DVSA had confirmed that they would be expanding the number of driving tests available to critical workers across Great Britain.
“The DVSA is planning
for the resumption of driving tests across all parts of the UK and these plans include provision to restart tractor driving tests. As restrictions lift and more tests become available, agricultural workers will be prioritised as they are part of the critical worker category.”
DVSA chief driving examiner Mark Winn said the agricultural industry played a vital role in feeding the country and he recognised that tractor driving played a key role in this.