During those difficult times, learner drivers and parents around the country are wondering if driving lessons and driving tests will be suspended and cancelled, and what is happening next!

Can I learn to drive during a covid lockdown?

The most obvious question is ‘can you still learn to drive during covid?’, The advice varies depending on where you live.

If you’re in Tiers 1-3 in England, protection levels 0,1,2 and 3 in Scotland or alert levels 1,2 and 3 in Wales, according to the government advice, driving lessons with an instructor is still going ahead. 

Can I learn to drive in Oxford in tier 4?

The latest government announcement to move Oxfordshire to Tier 4 (Protection Level 4 in Scotland and Alert Level 4 in Wales). And unfortunately,  all driving lessons in Oxford with an instructor and tests (both Theory Test and Practical Tests) have been suspended. You must not travel to a different tier to take your tests or have a lesson with an instructor. This has come as quite a blow to learner drivers in Oxford, however,  learners may still be able to practise their driving lessons in Oxfordshire on government-sanctioned journeys with a member of their household.

Can I take a member of my household out for driving lessons during a lockdown?

Although parts of the UK are now seeing tier 4 restrictions put into place, there is guidance in place for taking private driving practice – as long as the journey is essential and with members of the same household – private driving practice can go ahead! This comes as a huge relief for learner drivers in Oxford who have had lessons with an instructor suspended. Remember, you need to have  learner driving insurance in place in order to take private practice

When will driving lessons in Oxford restart?

Since Oxfordshire is in tier 4,  learner drivers are not able to take driving lessons in Oxford. Measures are expected to be a review on December 30th. 

Are the theory and practical driving tests in Oxford cancelled during a lockdown?

All tests for those in tier 4 have been suspended. You must not travel to a different tier to take your test.

When will driving tests and theory tests restart and how do I book?

Again, all driving tests and theory tests are suspended for those in Tier 4. There are plans for a review by the end of December.

Who can take a driving test during a lockdown?

During the first national lockdown, essential workers were able to book and take an emergency driving test. There is no specific guidance on this currently but we will keep you posted!

How will the driving test differ once I can take it?

The DVSA has announced a number of social distancing measures and safety precautions, so there will be a few differences, including:

• You will be asked to wear a face-covering during the driving test (unless you are exempt). Your examiner will wear one too.
• You’ll be asked to arrive no more than 5 minutes before the session, and the toilets and waiting room will be closed.
• You won’t be able to have your driving instructor or supervising driver sit in on the driving test.
• Your driving test will be cut short if you make a serious fault that would cause you to fail, in order to minimise the time in the car.
• For obvious reasons, if you are self-isolating you will need to cancel your driving test, and will be able to re-book free of charge.

Can I order a provisional licence?

At present, you are still able to order your provisional licence.

Where can I get more information?

Keep up to date with information about how coronavirus is impacting driving lessons and tests via the government website.