The past few months haven’t been a lot of fun for anyone. It’s certainly been tough on anyone learning to drive during the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the last year or so, the rules have kept on changing and it can be hard to keep up.
There’s finally some good news, though. With cases falling and a timetable for returning to a more normal life, learning to drive is back on the agenda throughout the UK.
Here’s a round-up of the current rules and guidelines…
What are the rules in England?
At long last, it’s all systems go for learning to drive in England. You can have professional lessons, take a theory test, and a practical test. Just keep in mind that a lot of people have been waiting for restrictions to be lifted, so there’s a backlog of eager new drivers.
How about in Scotland?
Scotland’s learner drivers have been coming out of lockdown a little slower than those in England. Driving lessons and theory tests have both had the green light. Practical tests will start again on 6 May.
And Wales?
Welsh learner drivers are in the same position as those in England. So learning to drive in the Covid-19 pandemic is allowed as case numbers drop. Lessons and the theory and practical tests are all back on.
Lots of drivers are keen to get their tests booked, so you may need to be patient.
What are the rules for learning to drive in Northern Ireland?
Lessons and driving tests are green for go in Northern Ireland but with a phased return.
The driving test booking service is now open for those customers whose theory test certificates will expire between 26 April 2021 and 31 October 2021.
On 4 May 2021, the booking system will open for phase two customers, whose theory test certificates will expire between 1 November 2021 and 31 March 2022.
The booking system will then open for all remaining customers in the final phase by mid-May 2021.
We’ll update this page as restrictions change, but it’s also worth checking the official DVSA pages if you live in England, Scotland, or Wales. Take a look at NI Direct for the latest on learning to drive during the Covid-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland.
