Breakdown of current restrictions and how they will affect drivers around the UK
On 31st October, the Prime Minister announced that the UK will be heading forth towards a second lockdown – trick or treat?
Unfortunately, it does not sound like a treat – but nevertheless, it is important that measures are put in place to help keep us safe for the foreseeable future.
Many UK citizens will be well aware of these rules and regulations previously set out by the Government, which saw restrictions on travel, as well as every other aspect of our lives.
But will the second lockdown have different rules than the first? What will be the impact be on driving? Will you be able to drive to castles to get your eyes tested?
Take a look at our guide for drivers, as we enter the second UK-wide lockdown.
Can I still drive anywhere during lockdown?
Yes. Technically you can still drive during lockdown, but similar to the previous nationwide lockdown, the reasons for travelling should only be limited to essential purposes.
The reasons are as follows:
- Education (Driving yourself or children).
- Work (If you are unable to work from home).
- Medical reasons
- Caring for others
- Exercise outdoors
- Shopping for food/ essentials.
Similar to the previous lockdown, you may only have people from your household travel in your cars, to help control the spread of Covid-19.
If you fail to adhere to this, or travel for non-essential purposes, then you may open yourself up to a fine from police for breaking lockdown protocol – starting from £200.
Can I get my car MOT tested during lockdown?
During the first national lockdown, the UK Government announced an extension for MOT’s, for a six-month period, to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.
But, this time around, the DVSA has announced that MOT garages will still open under the new UK restrictions.
There is currently no extension of the MOT certificate, so you will still need to make sure your vehicle has a valid MOT if it’s being used, except for the journey to your pre-booked MOT.
Similarly, garages are likely to remain open, as they can be considered ‘essential’ – but, if it’s not urgent works, then you may want to wait until after 2nd December 2020, to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.
Keep an eye on the latest updates, here.
Are driving lessons allowed during lockdown?
As you may have expected, driving lessons and tests have been suspended until the 2nd December 2020.
If you are a learner driver, then we would urge you to contact your driving instructor from Thursday 5th November onwards to discuss a few options for when it’s safe to resume lessons and tests going forward. They may be able to give you some great tips for passing your theory test, or practical driving test that you can brush up on over the next month, or so.
We do not yet know exactly how lessons and tests will resume for learner drivers – will it be similar to the previous staggered approach? Will they all be allowed on 2nd December? Currently, the guidance has told us that theory tests will resume on 2nd December, but we will wait and see.
Truth is nobody knows, but keep up-to-date with our social media, where you can see the latest driving news and tips
Will I be able to buy a car during lockdown?
Well, yes you probably could – but not through traditional methods.
This might be another job destined for online shopping.
Similar to the previous lockdown, showrooms are likely to be closed completely across the UK, meaning that you will have to wait until after December to get your hands on a new car.
The same applies with used cars – whilst private sellers are not necessarily subject to the same closures of showrooms, you should not really be mixing with other households – which could otherwise open you up to a fine.
We recommend doing your research, making sure you know which car you want – so that when the doors open on the showrooms, you can be in-and-out in lightning speeds.
As a nation, we learnt a lot from the first UK-wide lockdown – and truly, not much will change this time around on our roads.
You will still be able to travel – but only for essential purposes, set out at the start of this guide, but unfortunately, some services, like driving lessons and MOTs will not resume until 2nd December at the absolute earliest.
Guidance is likely to change over the coming weeks and months, so keep up to date with our blogs, or alternatively, follow us on social media to hear the latest driving news and tips.
If you’d like to get a quote with us, complete it online now, or contact us on 0333 103 7897
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