HGV drivers – remember COVID testing facilities open on weekends

The following is taken from an email circular released by the DVSA:

If you are driving to the Port Dover or Eurotunnel get a COVID test before arriving in Kent.

Test sites are open 7 days a week, including weekends, and a negative result is valid for 72 hours for entry to France. If you arrive in Kent without a negative COVID test you risk delays.  

Get a test before or at the start of your journey, you’ll have plenty of time. 

Please bear in mind:

• 39 Information and Advice sites across the country offer free testing – head to the one closest to you  
• sites are open 7 days a week with the majority offering testing between 6am-9.30pm 
• 75% of all COVID testing sites can process tests within an hour 
• sites near Kent are busy and you may experience delays – you shouldn’t wait to reach Kent to get tested

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Get a Kent Access Permit

Any driver heading to the EU via Kent must also have a valid Kent Access Permit (KAP). Each permit is valid for 24 hours.

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ECMT Permits are available for February cross-trade

You can use your UK Licence for the Community to carry out 2 cross-trade jobs (moving goods between 2 countries) in the EU, but you need an ECMT permit if you want to carry out a third cross-trade job.  

ECMT permits are also needed to transport goods to, through or from Armenia, Azerbaijan or Bosnia and Herzegovina.