COVID-19 has put the brakes on so many plans of young people, including those who wanted to learn to drive. For many learner drivers, not only has this affected their mental health, there is a financial burden too as thousands of young people have seen their Theory Test Certificates expire, whilst they have been waiting for a driving test to become available as we’re in and out of lockdown. Our data shows that in total learner drivers have lost over £1 million during lockdown because of the expiry to their theory test certificates.

We started petitioning for the change in March 2020 and so did many others. The issue was then discussed in the House of Commons as an Adjournment debate on the 28th January 2021 however, the Department for Transport confirmed that the Government has no plans to lay further legislation to extend it, or to refund any expired theory test certificates for those who have simply not been able to book a practical driving test. Their response is as follows:

“Ensuring new drivers have current relevant knowledge and skills is a vital part of the training of new drivers, who are disproportionality represented in casualty statistics. Taking all this into consideration, the decision has been made not to extend theory test certificates and learners will need to pass another theory test if their certificate expires.”

Whilst they have committed to increasing the testing availability when it is safe to resume, we simply don’t think it’s enough. Learner drivers have now been left out of pocket, at a time when young people’s lives have been disrupted and so many are financially worse off due to the pandemic.

We’re here to help

To ease some of the stress this is causing learner drivers, we’re offering to refund the cost of the certificate for our customers who have not had a chance to take their practical driving test and as such, have seen their theory test certificate expire during the UK lockdown period which started in March 2020.

Who’s eligible?

• UK Provisional Licence holders who hold a valid Marmalade policy at the time of application that is past the 14-day cooling off period.
• Those able to provide proof of the expiry of their certificate during the lockdown period (the lockdown period is defined as being between 23rd March 2020 and 21st June 2021 (or 60 days after practical driving tests re-start in your devolved nation - whichever is later).

Good news! New customers are eligible to apply once their policy has passed the 14-day cooling off period – provided you meet the above criteria!

To see the full terms and conditions click here.

How do I apply?

To claim your refund, all you need to do is email us and include the following information:

• First and last name
• Policy number
• Photographic evidence of your theory test certificate expiring (showing your name)
• Contact number

Applications will close 60 days after practical driving tests re-commence.