The Vehicle and Driving Test Centre has clarified the situation with testing during this third lockdown.

Vehicle tests have continued, as these can be done without contact with the public, with examiners taking precautions such as social distancing and PPE.

Under the government directive issued at the beginning of this lockdown (as in past ones) both car tests and motorcycle tests were stopped and have not yet received the green light to continue.

The backlog for driving tests still stands at around 500, while that for motorcycle tests is negligible, at only around a dozen.

In addition to the backlog, there are a number of applications which have been sent in for driving tests - to be allocated a test date as soon as the backlog is worked through and spaces become available.

Some have questioned why motorcycle tests could not be carried out in a socially distanced way -as they are done with an examiner following the candidate on a second bike. The centre said that close contact is still needed for examiners to help with setting up the helmet radio to communicate with the candidate during the test, and with completing paperwork.

Furthermore, motorcycle instructors have also not been able to carry out lessons during the lockdown, as so are unable to prepare pupils even if tests could go ahead.

Theory tests have also been stopped, as University College Isle of Man, where the tests are conducted, has been closed during lockdown.

Theory test pass certificates, which are required to sit a practical test, are valid for two years, and though some members of the public have been calling for this period to be extended - it has been decided that to change the legislation would not be practical.

This is the same policy in the UK, where the government has stated that it would not extend the period either, despite numerous petitions calling for it.