Driving tests suspended for November

Another lockdown unfortunately means another suspension of driving tests in England. Theory and practical driving tests will stop from Thursday 5 November until Tuesday 2 December.

Having done earlier lockdowns, Wales will start driving tests again on Monday 9 November and Northern Ireland on Friday 13 November. Scotland is currently still doing tests.

You can keep up with any changes to driving tests at GOV.UK.

What to do if you have a driving test booked

The DVSA will be in touch if you have a test booked that will be affected by restrictions in your area.

If you’re in England, you won’t be able to have driving lessons during lockdown. However, you can still drive to the shop or to get exercise (essential trips), if you have a practice partner.

Anyone supervising your driving practice must:

• Be part of your household due to COVID-19 restrictions
• Be over 21
• Have had a licence at least three years
• Not use a phone while you’re driving
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

You also need to have the right insurance to practise – either as a named driver on the car owner’s policy or your own learner driver insurance.

Use the delay to give yourself the best shot

It’s a difficult time to be a learner driver but this is an opportunity to get a bit more practice before your test.

It could make all the difference.