Learners can take driving lessons and motor training in England from Saturday 4 July while car driving tests will restart from Wednesday 22 July.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirmed tests will take place with social distancing measures in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

However, driving lessons, theory tests and driving tests are still suspended in Scotland and Wales, while different dates apply in Northern Ireland.

Grant Shapps, transport secretary, said: “Driving lessons and tests are vital in helping people get to work and visit loved ones, and provide the skills for a lifetime of safe driving.

“As the country 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 tests and lessons in a Covid-secure way.

Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive, said: “It has been vital that lessons and tests only resume when safe to do so and in line with the 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 England.”

The DVSA will make further announcements on the resumption of testing, training and lessons, including information on how services will restart in a safe way.