DVSA to issue certain refunds to drivers impacted by major safety defects on popular vehicles

The order made yesterday applies for all second-generation C3 vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2016, and DS3 models produced between 2009 and 2019, equipped with faulty Takata airbags.

In response to the move, the DVSA has established a special refund scheme for learner drivers forced to cancel or reschedule tests at short notice due to the recall, waiving normal cancellation penalties.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

According to Stellantis, which owns Citroën, affected vehicle owners must cease driving immediately and arrange urgent repairs before using their cars again, including for driving tests.

The emergency action follows the death of a female driver in Reims, France, last week from injuries sustained when a Takata airbag exploded in her 2014 Citroën C3.

French authorities initially ordered 82,000 C3 and DS3 vehicles off the roads, prompting Stellantis to extend the stop-drive order across Europe including the UK.

"While there have been no reported instances in the UK, Stellantis has decided to deploy a stop-drive order for all impacted vehicles," the company stated.

The carmaker added: "Vehicles included in this new stop-drive action in the UK were already part of an ongoing comprehensive recall campaign that started over one year ago, first in Southern Europe and then expanded northwards.

"Recall decisions, especially stop-drive actions, are based on multiple factors, including airbag specifications, vehicle age and usage, climate conditions, and notifications from regulatory authorities."

The DVSA guidance confirmed that learners who cancel tests within 10 clear working days due to the recall can apply for refunds until 11:59pm on Sunday July 20, despite normally forfeiting fees for short-notice cancellations.

Applications require the driver's full name, licence number, test reference, vehicle registration and VIN, with the online form becoming available from Monday, June 23.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Sadiq Khan admits London 'not on track' to meet emission targets despite Ulez and Congestion Charge
• Parking fines cancelled as council forced to issue apology for hitting gas explosion residents with penalty notices
• Thousands of HGVs could be removed from vital network route under new environmental plans

Examiners will verify repairs have been completed using Citroën's online service on test day, cancelling tests for unrepaired vehicles without refund.

The refund scheme requires learners to have already cancelled or rescheduled their test before applying, with the DVSA emphasising that eligibility only applies to changes made specifically due to the Citroën recall.

Learners can alternatively change their test date, use a different vehicle, or cancel entirely and rebook once repairs are complete.

The Takata airbag crisis extends far beyond Citroën, with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalling approximately 67 million airbags that can "explode when deployed, causing serious injury or even death".

Stellantis emphasised the importance of keeping DVLA records updated to ensure recall notifications reach current addresses, mobilising its "full network of suppliers, retailers and manufacturing plant" to expedite repairs.

The company confirmed that drivers of the affected vehicles will be able to get repairs for free, with it typically being completed within half a day.

The DVSA shared: "If you change or cancel your driving test within 10 clear working days of your test, you will automatically lose your fee.

"To be eligible for a refund, you must have changed or cancelled your test within 10 clear working days of your test because of the Citroën recall."