Driving lessons can resume in Wales from 27 July, Welsh Government confirms

Driving lessons will resume in Wales on 27 July, the Welsh Government has announced.

Driving theory tests will restart on 3 August, along with vocational, motorcycle, car and trailer tests, and tractor driving tests.

And driving tests will restart from 17 August, as well as driving instructor testing and standards checks.

The Welsh Government says the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will provide updated guidance shortly on safety.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport, said driving lessons and tests were "vital" in helping people get to work and visit loved ones.

He added: “As Wales 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 lessons and tests in a Covid secure way.”

DVSA Chief Executive Gareth Llewellyn said: “It has been vital that lessons and tests only resume when safe to do so and in line with the Welsh Government’s advice. 

“We know this has been a tough time for the whole country including learners and driving instructors but I am pleased to announce the restart of lessons and tests in Wales. 

“Tests for critical workers have continued during the lockdown and I would like to thank all those instructors and examiners who have continued to work to help deliver tests for those who have done so much to help us during this terrible pandemic.”

In England, driving lessons were able to resume on 4 July.

Welsh Conservative Darren Millar MS, who has been calling on the Welsh Government to allow driving lessons and tests to recommence, welcomed the announcement but described it as an "unnecessary time lapse."

Mr Millar said: “This is fantastic news for all those learners who have had to put their driving on hold in the past four months. It is also great news for all the instructors and examiners in Wales, whose livelihoods have been at risk.

“With the easing of lockdown measures in recent weeks, learners and instructors have been crying out for some indication as to when lessons and tests would resume, and while I am sure they will be delighted that a date has at last been set, they will undoubtedly be disappointed and frustrated that they have got to wait a further two weeks for lessons and even longer for tests. 

“Like with everything the Welsh Government announces with regards coming out of lockdown, there is always an unnecessary time lapse.”