Updated: Wednesday 11 August
The rules for driving instructors and pupils are different for each of the four nations of the United Kingdom.
England:
Driving lessons and mandatory face coverings:
- The legal requirement to wear a face covering has been lifted in all settings. However, to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, guidance still advises that wearing a face covering will reduce your risk and the risk to others, where you come into contact with people you don't normally meet in enclosed and crowded spaces.
- As a result, it is down to each individual driving instructor to decide whether to wear a mask or recommend that their pupils do.
- As a pupil, you should talk to your instructor directly about whether you should wear a face covering during lessons.
- The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has advised that it expects pupils to continue wearing a face covering for their driving test if they can. This is in line with the government’s safer travel guidance. If you are unable to wear a face covering during your test, you will need to inform the DVSA in advance, or risk the test not taking place.
Testing positive for Covid-19 and self-isolation:
- From Monday 16 August, any individual who has received both vaccinations or who is under the age of 18 will not be required to self-isolate after close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
- Anyone testing positive for Covid-19 must still self-isolate, regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated.
Scotland:
- Scotland has now removed almost all Covid-19 restrictions. However, the mandatory use of face coverings in enclosed spaces is to remain in place for some time.
- The rules around self-isolation have also changed, meaning that fully-vaccinated adults who are identified as a close contact of a positive case will no longer have to isolate if they return a negative PCR test.
Wales:
- Wales has now moved to alert level zero, with restrictions being eased. Face coverings are still required in most public indoor places, including on public transport.
- Under-18s and fully vaccinated adults in Wales do not have to self-isolate after close contact with a positive Covid case.
Northern Ireland:
- Restrictions are gradually being lifted, however it remains compulsory for driving instructors and pupils to wear face coverings during lessons.
Read the latest information on driving lessons and driving tests on GOV.UK.
Everyone at the AA Driving School wishes to thank our fantastic driving instructors for their continued support during this incredibly challenging time.
If you have any questions you can chat with us.