Can I have driving lessons in lockdown?

England is currently in its third national lockdown

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

England has re-entered full nationwide lockdown to combat the rising number of coronavirus cases across the country. Boris Johnson announced the new lockdown on Monday 4 January.

The new rules mean that all non-essential businesses have been forced to close. This includes retail shops, gyms, pubs and restaurants.

Additionally, people are urged to stay at home except for very few circumstances, such as exercise and getting food.

But what does all of this mean for those in the midst of driving lessons? Here’s everything you need to know.

Can driving lessons and tests continue in lockdown?

The government has confirmed that driving lessons and tests will not continue during lockdown. 

The government website says: “You must not provide driving lessons or motorcycle training in England because of the national lockdown.”

In Scotland, it says: “You must not provide driving lessons or motorcycle training in mainland Scotland unless it’s with someone from your household during an essential journey because of the temporary lockdown. Driving lessons and motorcycle training can take place in areas in protection level 3.”

In Wales the rules are: “You must not provide driving lessons or motorcycle training in Wales unless it’s with someone from your household during an essential journey because it’s in alert level 4.”

Driving lessons and tests were also banned in the previous two lockdowns, aside for key workers who were required to drive for their jobs.

They resumed in July 2020, though there was a backlog for those seeking lessons.

At the time, 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.”

In Wales driving lessons were suspended for its firebreak lockdown in October.

What is a Covid-secure driving test?

When driving tests resumed on 22 July 2020 - lessons resumed on 4 July - they had to comply with a number of health and safety measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

For example, examiners were required to arrive with an antiviral wipe to clean the passenger door and anything else they touch inside the vehicle.

The DVSA also advised people not to arrive more than five minutes prior to their test to avoid crowds of people loitering.

Face coverings were also required to be worn by both the instructor and the person being tested.

It is not known when lessons and tests will begin again in 2021.