We’re changing the way we fund Driving Lessons and Theory Tests.
Before we fund practical Driving Lessons through the Transition Fund, applicants now need to have passed their Theory Test and provide us with a copy of the certificate.
If applicants request funding for their Theory Test and Driving Lessons, we will initially fund them for their Theory Test and any additional training materials they may need, as well as any other items they have requested and that we have agreed to fund. Once they pass their Theory Test, we can fund their practical Driving Lessons.
We have made this change because from our experience some people start their practical driving lessons and reach a stage where these are interrupted until they pass their theory test and then pick up the practical driving lessons, which can disrupt the flow of lessons. Additionally, our applicants have told us that a growing number of driving instructors insist on learner drivers having passed their theory test before they will provide practical driving lessons, due to long wait times for practical driving test dates.
We want to give applicants every chance of succeeding in passing their Theory and practical Driving Tests so this change should help to ensure an uninterrupted practical learning experience.
This change takes effect from 1 April 2026. Our current processing time is 12 weeks so all applications submitted from today will be subject to this new process.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your application.
