The DVLA has confirmed that car buyers will be able to go for a test drive alone once dealers are allowed to reopen.
With many likely to be concerned about being in a car with another person once current lockdown restrictions are lifted, many dealers were wondering whether they would be able to let buyers to go out for test drives unaccompanied in vehicles wearing trade plates.
However, the DVLA has confirmed that dealers that have official trade plates, and that are properly insured, will be able to let drivers go out on their own without a salesperson once dealerships are given the go-ahead to reopen.
The DVLA told the Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA): “We have received an update from colleagues in service management and policy and they have confirmed that a prospective purchaser may test drive a vehicle on trade plates, without the trader licence holder being present.
“Trade plates are the property of the Secretary of State and motor traders should take all precautions to ensure that trade plates are not stolen.”
The new confirmation follows on from last week’s announcement that dealerships are able to sell and deliver cars online during the lockdown – something that’s helping many firms to get back on their feet again.
