After months of being suspended, the UK government has announced that driving lessons and driver testing can restart in England in July. Driving lessons and theory tests will restart on Saturday, 4 July and practical exams will return on Wednesday, 22 July.
They’re back!
After months of frustration among driving instructors and learner drivers, the government has finally confirmed a restart date for driver testing and driving lessons.
The return dates for driving lessons and motorcycle training include private practice with someone you live with or in your support bubble.
Theory tests will take place under strict social distancing measures in order to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Practical Driver Testing Returns at Later Date
The return date for practical driver testing has been put back to allow time for learners to take refresher lessons before getting behind the wheel for their practical exam.
However, restarts only apply in England. All driver testing and lessons remain suspended in Scotland and Wales, while different start dates have been announced for Northern Ireland.
A statement from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said: “Further announcements about the resumption of testing, training and lessons, including publishing information on how services will be restarted safely, will be made shortly.”
Book Now for Driver Testing
With demand for driver testing expected to be high, a backlog is likely. Booking your theory test or practical exam should be done immediately and we’re here to help. If you’re back at work, school, college or university and you don’t have time to apply for your test, use our services.
We just need a few details and we can then book your test on your behalf, tracking immediate openings and cancellations to ensure that you get a slot for your theory test or practical exam as quickly as possible.
Book with us and you benefit from our free, three theory tests resit scheme. If you’re a little rusty and fail your theory exam, we’ll pay for your second (and third test). Terms and conditions do apply.
Return of Driver Testing a Relief
The return of driver testing will come as a relief for many. Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “Driving lessons and tests are vital in helping people get to work and visit loved ones, and provide the skills for a lifetime of safe driving.”
“As the country recovers from COVID-19 we can now open-up our services to help get the country moving again and I am very pleased to announce the restart of driving tests and lessons in a COVID-secure way,” Shapps added.
DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: “It has been vital that lessons and tests only resume when safe to do so and in line with the government’s advice. We know this has been a tough time for the whole country including learners and driving instructors, but I am pleased to announce the restart of lessons and tests in England.”
“Tests for critical workers have continued during the lockdown and I would like to thank all those instructors and examiners who have continued to work to help deliver tests for those who have done so much to help us during this terrible pandemic,” Llewellyn added.
Book Before the Rush
The coming weeks will see a surge in theory test and practical exam bookings. Reserve your slot now to avoid waiting even longer for your test.
To book a theory test, click here.
To book a practical test, click here.
