Earlier this month Boris Johnson revealed his roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions in England.
The Prime Minister set out key dates for easing the national lockdown during a press conference.
The plan will see restrictions lifted in four stages starting on March 8, when schools and colleges will reopen to all pupils and socialising in outdoor public spaces such as parks will be allowed between two people.
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A further easing of the restrictions will take place on March 29, when people will be allowed to gather.
Following Mr Johnson's announcement, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirmed the earliest date that both theory tests and practical driving lessons can resume.
According to EssexLive, the DVSA posted a tweet saying: "In line with the government’s roadmap announcement, driving and theory tests will resume no earlier than April 12.
"DVSA is working closely with the government and will provide more information as soon as we are able to do so on other tests, lessons and training."
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Regarding driving lessons, neither the DVSA confirmed nor the roadmap document makes any reference to when lessons will be allowed to resume.
Following the previous national lockdown, learners were given two weeks to refresh their skills before practical tests restarted.
Now, it is less likely that lessons will resume before April 12, as far stricter restrictions will be in place until then..
The announcement, nonetheless, brings hope for the hundreds of thousands of aspiring new drivers, who were unable to take any lessons or tests during the third national lockdown, that they might soon get behind the wheel.
The current rules, which will stay in place until then, state that no driving lessons or motorcycle training is allowed. The only exceptions are if teacher and learner are from the same household, or the learner is a mobile emergency worker.
When tests resume learners and examiners will have to follow strict guidelines to curb the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
Before the latest suspension, there was separate guidance for theory and driving tests. Test takers were expected to arrive for their driving test no more than 5 minutes before appointment time, and wear face coverings, as would examiners. Driving instructors were not allowed to sit in the back.
It is expected that similar rules will apply this time round.
