2021-02-04 15:58:51 | Can I learn to drive during the latest lockdown? And can I take a driving test?

The guidance for Northern Ireland is that driving theory tests up to 6 February are suspended, although affected tests will be relocate to a temporary placeholder appointment. Drivers have 30 days to to reschedule this temporary appointment: see www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/book-change-or-cancel-your-theory-test-online.

Theory test pass certificates which expired between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2020 have been extended to a year, while those which expire before 30 June 2021, and which have not already benefited from an extension, have had their validity extended by eight months. The extensions have been applied automatically.

What about learning to drive privately, with a friend or family member?

Not in England, and only in Scotland and Wales under the circumstances described above. Remember that police forces in most areas are clamping down on unnecessary  journeys so be sure there is no alternative to you supervising a learner driver – an essential journey means just that. 

If there is no alternative to sharing the enclosed space of a car, Government advice is to wear face coverings, keep the windows open for better ventilation (even if there is a distinct chill in the air – you can wear a coat) and wash or sanitise your hands often. 

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