Learner drivers are facing major disruption at the end of April as driving examiners confirm plans to strike.

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 walk outs planned for the last week of the month.

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.

A number of regional strikes are taking place next week alongside one nationwide day of action.

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

On Monday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 25 union members in the east of England, east Midlands, and parts of London will go on strike.

They will be followed on Thursday, April 27 by those working in the south east, south west, Wales and London.

Friday, April 28 will see a nationwide strike of all examiners and vehicle test staff who belong to the PCS union.

The strike action will not affect theory tests.

Learner drivers with a test appointment in the coming days 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.