The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has revealed that it intends to resume driving lessons from 12th April with tests restarting 10 days after that.
Since the third national lockdown was imposed at the start of 2021, learner drivers have been unable to get time behind the wheel with their instructors, or take their test. However, following the publication of the Prime Minister’s roadmap, the DVSA has drawn up provisional dates for resuming lessons and tests across the UK, including here on the Isle of Wight.
The dates are subject to the Government’s review on 5th April, although it seems unlikely that the plan will change given the declining numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths nationwide.
Driving Lessons
Islanders will be able to resume driving lessons with instructors from Monday 12th April.
Driving Tests
Islanders will be able to take their test from Thursday 22nd April. The DVSA has set this date to be 10 days after lessons resume to give learners the opportunity to carry out extra training before taking their test.
If you already have a test booked that is due to take place before 22nd April 2021, the DVSA will be in contact via email.
Theory Tests
The first part of learning to drive is the theory test. These are set to resume from 12th April. Again, the DVSA will email candidates with a theory test booked before this date to reschedule.
Learning with a family member
Ahead of lessons restarting, you can continue to practice driving with a qualified driver from your own household, as long as it is part of an essential journey, i.e. going to shop for food.
From 29th March the ‘Stay at Home’ message will be dropped, meaning those learning in their own vehicles will be able to do so unrestricted prior to lessons resuming with instructors on 12th April.
